Read Hosea 10 of the KJV to discover the profound insights it holds for us on this blessed day. For more verses, check out the Book of Hosea.
Hosea 10 Summary
Hosea 10 portrays Israel’s spiritual and moral decay, likening it to a barren vineyard replete with idolatry and injustice. The chapter condemns Israel’s devotion to false gods and predicts impending judgment for their sins, emphasizing God’s disappointment over their unfaithfulness despite His past blessings. It warns of the consequences of their arrogance and reliance on military might instead of God. Despite this, there is a call to repentance, urging Israel to seek righteousness and sow seeds of justice to reap mercy from God. The chapter underscores the inevitable outcome of disobedience but holds out hope for reconciliation through genuine repentance.
Hosea 10:1-17 KJV
Retribution for Israel’s Sin
1. Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land they have made goodly images.
2. Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images.
3. For now they shall say, We have no king, because we feared not the LORD; what then should a king do to us?
4. They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant: thus judgment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of the field.
5. The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof that rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it.
6. It shall be also carried unto Assyria for a present to king Jareb: Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.
7. As for Samaria, her king is cut off as the foam upon the water.
8. The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed: the thorn and the thistle shall come up on their altars; and they shall say to the mountains, Cover us; and to the hills, Fall on us.
9. O Israel, thou hast sinned from the days of Gibeah: there they stood: the battle in Gibeah against the children of iniquity did not overtake them.
10. It is in my desire that I should chastise them; and the people shall be gathered against them, when they shall bind themselves in their two furrows.
11. And Ephraim is as an heifer that is taught, and loveth to tread out the corn; but I passed over upon her fair neck: I will make Ephraim to ride; Judah shall plow, and Jacob shall break his clods.
12. Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
13. Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.
14. Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be spoiled, as Shalman spoiled Betharbel in the day of battle: the mother was dashed in pieces upon her children.
15. So shall Bethel do unto you because of your great wickedness: in a morning shall the king of Israel utterly be cut off.
See Also: 20 Most Popular Bible Verses from the Book of Exodus