Hosea 9:12 Study Bible: Though they bring up their children, yet I will bereave them, so that not a man shall be left. Indeed, woe also to them when I depart from them.

◄ Hosea 9:12 ►

Even if they raise their children, I will bereave them of each one. Yes, woe be to them when I turn away from them!

Even if they raise their children
This phrase highlights the futility of the Israelites' efforts to secure their future through their offspring. In the Hebrew context, children were seen as a blessing and a means of continuing one's legacy. The Hebrew word for "raise" (גָּדַל, gadal) implies nurturing and bringing up to maturity. Despite their efforts to nurture and protect their children, the Israelites' disobedience to God renders these efforts vain. This serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, emphasizing that human efforts are insufficient without divine favor.

I will bereave them of each one
The term "bereave" (שָׁכַל, shakal) in Hebrew conveys a sense of loss and mourning, often associated with the death of children. This is a severe judgment from God, indicating that He will remove the very blessings He once bestowed upon them. Historically, this reflects the period of turmoil and exile that Israel faced due to their persistent idolatry and rebellion. The loss of children symbolizes the loss of hope and future, underscoring the gravity of divine judgment.

Yes, woe to them
The word "woe" (אוֹי, oy) is an expression of lament and impending doom. It is a prophetic declaration of sorrow and distress that will come upon the people. In the biblical narrative, "woe" is often used by prophets to announce God's judgment. This serves as a warning to the Israelites, urging them to recognize the seriousness of their spiritual state and the consequences of their actions.

when I turn away from them
The phrase "turn away" (סוּר, sur) signifies God's withdrawal of His presence and favor. In the covenant relationship between God and Israel, His presence was a source of protection and blessing. The turning away of God indicates a breach in this relationship due to the people's unfaithfulness. This is a pivotal moment, as it reflects the ultimate consequence of persistent sin—separation from God. Historically, this turning away is seen in the Assyrian conquest and the subsequent exile, which were direct results of Israel's disobedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hosea
A prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Hosea's ministry was marked by his marriage to Gomer, which symbolized Israel's unfaithfulness to God.

2. Israel
The Northern Kingdom, often referred to as Ephraim in Hosea, which was experiencing moral and spiritual decline.

3. God's Judgment
The context of this verse is God's impending judgment on Israel due to their persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Unfaithfulness
God's judgment on Israel serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from Him. Just as Israel faced loss and bereavement, we too can experience spiritual desolation when we stray from God's path.

The Importance of Repentance
Hosea's message underscores the need for genuine repentance. Despite the dire warnings, God's desire is for His people to return to Him. This calls us to examine our own lives and seek reconciliation with God.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The verse highlights God's control over the fate of nations and individuals. Understanding God's sovereignty should lead us to trust in His righteous judgment and align our lives with His will.

Hope Beyond Judgment
While Hosea 9:12 speaks of judgment, the broader account of Scripture assures us of God's mercy and the hope of restoration for those who turn back to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Hosea 9:12 reflect the broader theme of judgment and mercy found throughout the book of Hosea?

2. In what ways can the consequences faced by Israel serve as a warning for us today in our personal spiritual journeys?

3. How does the concept of God's sovereignty in Hosea 9:12 challenge or comfort you in your current life circumstances?

4. What parallels can you draw between the warnings in Hosea and the blessings and curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28?

5. How can we apply the call to repentance found in Hosea to our own lives, and what steps can we take to ensure we remain faithful to God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, which parallels the consequences Israel faces in Hosea.

Isaiah 5
The vineyard song in Isaiah reflects God's disappointment with Israel, similar to Hosea's message of judgment.

Jeremiah 31
Offers a future hope and restoration for Israel, contrasting the immediate judgment in Hosea.

Sermons

Bereavement, Barrenness, and Banishment	C. Jerdan	Hosea 9:10-17
Ephraim's Woe	J. Orr	Hosea 9:11-17

People

Baalpeor, Hosea

Places

Assyria, Beth-baal-peor, Egypt, Gibeah, Gilgal, Memphis

Topics

Aside, Bereave, Bring, Childless, Complete, Depart, Departed, Evil-doing, Growth, Indeed, None, Nourish, Rear, Shame, Sons, Surely, Though, Till, Turn, Wo, Woe, Yea, Yes, Yet

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Hosea 9:11

5199 womb
5733 pregnancy

Library

Of Councils and their Authority.
1. The true nature of Councils. 2. Whence the authority of Councils is derived. What meant by assembling in the name of Christ. 3. Objection, that no truth remains in the Church if it be not in Pastors and Councils. Answer, showing by passages from the Old Testament that Pastors were often devoid of the spirit of knowledge and truth. 4. Passages from the New Testament showing that our times were to be subject to the same evil. This confirmed by the example of almost all ages. 5. All not Pastors who …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation
[Sidenote: The nature of inspiration] Since the days of the Greek philosophers the subject of inspiration and revelation has been fertile theme for discussion and dispute among scholars and theologians. Many different theories have been advanced, and ultimately abandoned as untenable. In its simplest meaning and use, inspiration describes the personal influence of one individual upon the mind and spirit of another. Thus we often say, "That man inspired me." What we are or do under the influence …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

John's Introduction.
^D John I. 1-18. ^d 1 In the beginning was the Word [a title for Jesus peculiar to the apostle John], and the Word was with God [not going before nor coming after God, but with Him at the beginning], and the Word was God. [Not more, not less.] 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him [the New Testament often speaks of Christ as the Creator--see ver. 10; I. Cor. viii. 6; Col. i. 13, 17; Heb. i. 2]; and without him was not anything made that hath been made. [This …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Hosea
The book of Hosea divides naturally into two parts: i.-iii. and iv.-xiv., the former relatively clear and connected, the latter unusually disjointed and obscure. The difference is so unmistakable that i.-iii. have usually been assigned to the period before the death of Jeroboam II, and iv.-xiv. to the anarchic period which succeeded. Certainly Hosea's prophetic career began before the end of Jeroboam's reign, as he predicts the fall of the reigning dynasty, i. 4, which practically ended with Jeroboam's …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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