Hosea 7
1whenever I would heal Israel,the sins of Ephraim are exposedand the crimes of Samaria revealed.They practice deceit,thieves break into houses,bandits rob in the streets; 2but they do not realizethat I remember all their evil deeds.Their sins engulf them;they are always before me. 3“They delight the king with their wickedness,the princes with their lies. 4They are all adulterers,burning like an ovenwhose fire the baker need not stirfrom the kneading of the dough till it rises. 5On the day of the festival of our kingthe princes become inflamed with wine,and he joins hands with the mockers. 6Their hearts are like an oven;they approach him with intrigue.Their passion smolders all night;in the morning it blazes like a flaming fire. 7All of them are hot as an oven;they devour their rulers.All their kings fall,and none of them calls on me. 8“Ephraim mixes with the nations;Ephraim is a flat loaf not turned over. 9Foreigners sap his strength,but he does not realize it.His hair is sprinkled with gray,but he does not notice. 10Israel’s arrogance testifies against him,but despite all thishe does not return to the Lord his Godor search for him. 11“Ephraim is like a dove,easily deceived and senseless—now calling to Egypt,now turning to Assyria. 12When they go, I will throw my net over them;I will pull them down like the birds in the sky.When I hear them flocking together,I will catch them. 13Woe to them,because they have strayed from me!Destruction to them,because they have rebelled against me!I long to redeem thembut they speak about me falsely. 14They do not cry out to me from their heartsbut wail on their beds.They slash themselves, appealing to their godsfor grain and new wine,but they turn away from me. 15I trained them and strengthened their arms,but they plot evil against me. 16They do not turn to the Most High;they are like a faulty bow.Their leaders will fall by the swordbecause of their insolent words.For this they will be ridiculedin the land of Egypt.
Study Context for Hosea 7
As you study Hosea 7, keep in mind the overarching themes of this old testament book: Unfaithfulness, Love, Restoration. Observe how the specific events or teachings in this chapter contribute to the book's broader message.
UnfaithfulnessLoveRestoration
Observation: What does Hosea 7 reveal about the character and nature of God? What does it reveal about humanity?
Application: How does the truth presented in this chapter change how you should live, think, or pray today?
Study introductions and prompts are supplementary aids, not Scripture. They do not replace prayerful reading, the authority of Scripture, a faithful local church, or pastoral care.
Study Hosea 7 more deeply
Ask Matthew for a Scripture-grounded explanation using this reference, not the copyrighted NIV wording. AI explanations remain separate from Scripture.
New International Version (NIV)
The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture provided through API.Bible