Hosea 9
BSB1 Do not rejoice, O Israel, with exultation like the nations, for you have played the harlot against your God; you have made love for hire on every threshing floor. 2 The threshing floor and winepress will not feed them, and the new wine will fail them. 3 They will not remain in the land of the LORD; Ephraim will return to Egypt and eat unclean food in Assyria. 4 They will not pour out wine offerings to the LORD, and their sacrifices will not please Him, but will be to them like the bread of mourners; all who eat will be defiled. For their bread will be for themselves; it will not enter the house of the LORD. 5 What will you do on the appointed day, on the day of the LORD’s feast? 6 For even if they flee destruction, Egypt will gather them and Memphis will bury them. Their precious silver will be taken over by thistles, and thorns will overrun their tents. 7 The days of punishment have come; the days of retribution have arrived— let Israel know it. The prophet is called a fool, and the inspired man insane, because of the greatness of your iniquity and hostility. 8 The prophet is Ephraim’s watchman, along with my God, yet the snare of the fowler lies on all his paths. Hostility is in the house of his God! 9 They have deeply corrupted themselves as in the days of Gibeah; He will remember their guilt; He will punish their sins. 10 I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness. I saw your fathers as the firstfruits of the fig tree in its first season. But they went to Baal-peor, and consecrated themselves to Shame; so they became as detestable as the thing they loved. 11 Ephraim’s glory will fly away like a bird, with no birth, no pregnancy, and no conception. 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! 13 I have seen Ephraim, like Tyre, planted in a meadow. But Ephraim will bring out his children for slaughter. 14 Give them, O LORD— what will You give? Give them wombs that miscarry and breasts that dry up! 15 All their evil appears at Gilgal, for there I hated them. I will drive them from My house for the wickedness of their deeds. I will no longer love them; all their leaders are rebellious. 16 Ephraim is struck down; their root is withered; they cannot bear fruit. Even if they bear children, I will slay the darlings of their wombs. 17 My God will reject them because they have not obeyed Him; and they shall be wanderers among the nations.
Study Notes — Hosea 9
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Hosea 9
- Themes from Hosea 9
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Hosea 9
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Hosea chapter 9 is a call to repentance, warning the people of Israel of the consequences of their sin and idolatry. The chapter begins by commanding the people not to rejoice or exult, for their sacrifices will be like the bread of mourners (Hosea 9:1-4). The people are then warned of the coming judgment, which will be like a harvest of grain that is cut down and gathered into the threshing floor (Hosea 9:5-9). The chapter also speaks of the restoration of Israel, promising that God will plant them in their own land and they will blossom like the vine (Hosea 9:10-17). Throughout the chapter, God emphasizes His love and care for His people, urging them to seek Him and to turn away from their sinful ways.
Context for the Chapter
Hosea chapter 9 is part of the larger book of Hosea, which is a call to repentance and faithfulness to God. The book of Hosea is set in the context of the divided kingdom, where the people of Israel have turned away from God and are living in sin and idolatry. The chapter is a message of judgment and restoration, urging the people to seek God and to turn away from their sinful ways. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, which speaks of God's love and care for His people, and His desire to bring them back to Himself.
Heart Application
This chapter applies to our hearts by urging us to seek God and to turn away from our sinful ways. We are called to live a life of obedience and faithfulness to God, and to seek Him with all our hearts. We are also reminded of the consequences of sin and idolatry, and the promise of restoration and redemption that God offers to those who seek Him.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Hosea chapter 9 is a message of judgment and restoration, calling the people of Israel to repentance and faithfulness to God. The chapter warns of the consequences of sin and idolatry, but also promises restoration and redemption to those who seek God. In Hosea 9:1-4, we see the command not to rejoice or exult, and in Hosea 9:10-17, we see the promise of restoration and the idea that God desires to bring His people back to Himself.
Voices from the Church
“The judgments of God are always tempered with mercy, and His mercy is always tempered with judgment. We see this in Hosea 9, where God warns His people of the coming judgment, but also promises to restore them and to bring them back to Himself.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The people of Israel were warned of the coming judgment, and were urged to seek God and to turn away from their sinful ways. This is a call to repentance, and a reminder that God is a God of justice and mercy.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Judgment (Hosea 9:1-4) — The chapter begins by commanding the people not to rejoice or exult, for their sacrifices will be like the bread of mourners. This emphasizes the somber and serious tone of the chapter, and highlights the consequences of Israel's sin.
- The Coming Judgment (Hosea 9:5-9) — The people are warned of the coming judgment, which will be like a harvest of grain that is cut down and gathered into the threshing floor. This emphasizes the idea that God's judgment is a time of reckoning and separation.
- The Promise of Restoration (Hosea 9:10-17) — The chapter speaks of the promise of restoration, and the idea that God desires to bring His people back to Himself. This emphasizes the idea that God is a God of redemption and restoration, and that He desires to bring His people back to Himself.
- Conclusion (Hosea 9:17) — The chapter concludes with the statement that God will reject His people because they have not listened to Him, and that they will be wanderers among the nations. This emphasizes the consequences of Israel's disobedience and rejection of God.
- Final Warning (Hosea 9:17) — The final warning is a call to repentance, and a reminder that God is a God of justice and mercy. The people are urged to seek God and to turn away from their sinful ways, and to experience the restoration and redemption that He promises.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches the doctrine of the sovereignty of God, emphasizing His power and control over all things. We see this in the coming judgment, which is a time of reckoning and separation, and in the promise of restoration, which is a demonstration of God's love and care for His people.
- The Importance of Repentance
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of repentance, urging the people to seek God and to turn away from their sinful ways. This is a call to repentance, and a reminder that God is a God of justice and mercy.
- The Promise of Restoration
- The chapter speaks of the promise of restoration, and the idea that God desires to bring His people back to Himself. This emphasizes the idea that God is a God of redemption and restoration, and that He desires to bring His people back to Himself.
- The Consequences of Sin
- The chapter warns of the consequences of sin and idolatry, emphasizing the idea that God is a God of justice and mercy. The people are reminded of the importance of living a life of obedience and faithfulness to God, and of seeking Him with all their hearts.
Lessons from Hosea 9
- The Importance of Seeking God — This chapter teaches us the importance of seeking God and turning away from our sinful ways. We are urged to seek Him with all our hearts, and to experience the restoration and redemption that He promises.
- The Consequences of Sin — The chapter warns us of the consequences of sin and idolatry, emphasizing the idea that God is a God of justice and mercy. We are reminded of the importance of living a life of obedience and faithfulness to God.
- The Promise of Restoration — The chapter speaks of the promise of restoration, and the idea that God desires to bring His people back to Himself. This emphasizes the idea that God is a God of redemption and restoration, and that He desires to bring His people back to Himself.
- The Sovereignty of God — This chapter teaches us the doctrine of the sovereignty of God, emphasizing His power and control over all things. We see this in the coming judgment, which is a time of reckoning and separation, and in the promise of restoration, which is a demonstration of God's love and care for His people.
- The Importance of Repentance — The chapter emphasizes the importance of repentance, urging us to seek God and to turn away from our sinful ways. This is a call to repentance, and a reminder that God is a God of justice and mercy.
Themes from Hosea 9
- Judgment and Restoration — This chapter speaks of the judgment that is to come, and the promise of restoration that God offers to His people. This emphasizes the idea that God is a God of justice and mercy, and that He desires to bring His people back to Himself.
- The Importance of Seeking God — The chapter urges us to seek God and to turn away from our sinful ways. This is a call to repentance, and a reminder that God is a God of justice and mercy.
- The Consequences of Sin — The chapter warns us of the consequences of sin and idolatry, emphasizing the idea that God is a God of justice and mercy. We are reminded of the importance of living a life of obedience and faithfulness to God.
- The Promise of Restoration — The chapter speaks of the promise of restoration, and the idea that God desires to bring His people back to Himself. This emphasizes the idea that God is a God of redemption and restoration, and that He desires to bring His people back to Himself.
- The Sovereignty of God — This chapter teaches us the doctrine of the sovereignty of God, emphasizing His power and control over all things. We see this in the coming judgment, which is a time of reckoning and separation, and in the promise of restoration, which is a demonstration of God's love and care for His people.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the main message of Hosea chapter 9, and how does it apply to our lives today?
- How does the chapter emphasize the consequences of sin and idolatry, and what warning does it give to those who do not seek God?
- What is the promise of restoration that is spoken of in the chapter, and how does it demonstrate God's love and care for His people?
- How does the chapter urge us to seek God and to turn away from our sinful ways, and what is the result of seeking Him with all our hearts?
- What is the final warning of the chapter, and how does it serve as a call to repentance and a reminder of God's justice and mercy?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Judgment (Hosea 9:1-4)
| Hosea 9:1 | The chapter begins by commanding the people not to rejoice or exult, for their sacrifices will be like the bread of mourners. This emphasizes the somber and serious tone of the chapter, and highlights the consequences of Israel's sin. |
| Hosea 9:2 | The people are warned that their sacrifices will not be accepted by God, for they are offered with sinful and idolatrous hearts. This emphasizes the idea that God is a God of justice and mercy, and that He desires obedience and faithfulness from His people. |
| Hosea 9:3 | The people are told that they will not remain in the land, for they have defiled it with their sin. This emphasizes the consequences of sin and idolatry, and the idea that God is a God of justice and mercy. |
| Hosea 9:4 | The people are warned that their sacrifices will be like the bread of mourners, and that they will not be accepted by God. This emphasizes the idea that God is a God of justice and mercy, and that He desires obedience and faithfulness from His people. |
2. The Coming Judgment (Hosea 9:5-9)
| Hosea 9:5 | The people are warned of the coming judgment, which will be like a harvest of grain that is cut down and gathered into the threshing floor. This emphasizes the idea that God's judgment is a time of reckoning and separation. |
| Hosea 9:6 | The people are told that they will be gathered into the threshing floor, and that they will be trampled underfoot like grapes in a winepress. This emphasizes the consequences of sin and idolatry, and the idea that God is a God of justice and mercy. |
| Hosea 9:7 | The people are warned that the days of reckoning have come, and that they will be punished for their sin. This emphasizes the idea that God is a God of justice and mercy, and that He desires obedience and faithfulness from His people. |
| Hosea 9:8 | The people are told that they will be like a watchman in a vineyard, watching for the coming judgment. This emphasizes the idea that God's judgment is a time of reckoning and separation, and that the people must be prepared to meet Him. |
| Hosea 9:9 | The people are warned that they will be punished for their sin, and that they will be like a net that is spread out to catch birds. This emphasizes the consequences of sin and idolatry, and the idea that God is a God of justice and mercy. |
3. The Promise of Restoration (Hosea 9:10-17)
| Hosea 9:10 | The people are told that they were like grapes in the wilderness, and that they were found in the land of Egypt. This emphasizes the idea that God is a God of redemption and restoration, and that He desires to bring His people back to Himself. |
| Hosea 9:11 | The people are warned that they will be like a vine that is planted in a fertile soil, but that they will not produce any fruit. This emphasizes the consequences of sin and idolatry, and the idea that God is a God of justice and mercy. |
| Hosea 9:12 | The people are told that they will be like a flock that is scattered, and that they will be gathered into the fold of God. This emphasizes the idea that God is a God of redemption and restoration, and that He desires to bring His people back to Himself. |
| Hosea 9:13 | The people are warned that they will be like a tree that is planted by the rivers of water, but that they will not produce any fruit. This emphasizes the consequences of sin and idolatry, and the idea that God is a God of justice and mercy. |
| Hosea 9:14 | The people are told that they will be like a vine that is planted in a fertile soil, and that they will produce much fruit. This emphasizes the idea that God is a God of redemption and restoration, and that He desires to bring His people back to Himself. |
| Hosea 9:15 | The people are warned that they will be like a flock that is scattered, and that they will be gathered into the fold of God. This emphasizes the idea that God is a God of redemption and restoration, and that He desires to bring His people back to Himself. |
| Hosea 9:16 | The people are told that they will be like a tree that is planted by the rivers of water, and that they will produce much fruit. This emphasizes the idea that God is a God of redemption and restoration, and that He desires to bring His people back to Himself. |
| Hosea 9:17 | The people are warned that God will reject them because they have not listened to Him, and that they will be wanderers among the nations. This emphasizes the consequences of sin and idolatry, and the idea that God is a God of justice and mercy. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of Hosea chapter 9?
The main message of Hosea chapter 9 is a call to repentance, warning the people of Israel of the consequences of their sin and idolatry, and promising restoration and redemption to those who seek God (Hosea 9:1-17).
What is the promise of restoration that is spoken of in the chapter?
The promise of restoration is that God will bring His people back to Himself, and that they will be like a vine that is planted in a fertile soil, producing much fruit (Hosea 9:10-17).
What is the final warning of the chapter?
The final warning of the chapter is that God will reject His people because they have not listened to Him, and that they will be wanderers among the nations (Hosea 9:17).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 9:1 → Leviticus 7:6 | The idea of not rejoicing or exulting is also found in Leviticus 7:6, where the people are commanded not to eat the flesh of the sacrifice on the same day that it is offered. |
| 2 | Hosea 9:4 → Deuteronomy 26:14 | The idea of offering sacrifices with sinful and idolatrous hearts is also found in Deuteronomy 26:14, where the people are commanded not to offer sacrifices to the dead. |
| 3 | Hosea 9:5 → Joel 3:13 | The idea of the coming judgment is also found in Joel 3:13, where the people are warned of the day of the Lord, which will be a time of reckoning and separation. |
| 4 | Hosea 9:10 → Isaiah 5:1-7 | The idea of the vine that is planted in a fertile soil is also found in Isaiah 5:1-7, where the people are compared to a vine that is planted by God, but that does not produce any fruit. |
| 5 | Hosea 9:13 → Ezekiel 17:1-10 | The idea of the tree that is planted by the rivers of water is also found in Ezekiel 17:1-10, where the people are compared to a tree that is planted by God, but that does not produce any fruit. |
| 6 | Hosea 9:14 → Matthew 21:18-22 | The idea of the vine that is planted in a fertile soil, but that does not produce any fruit, is also found in Matthew 21:18-22, where Jesus curses the fig tree that does not produce any fruit. |
| 7 | Hosea 9:15 → Luke 13:6-9 | The idea of the tree that is planted by the rivers of water, but that does not produce any fruit, is also found in Luke 13:6-9, where Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree that does not produce any fruit. |
| 8 | Hosea 9:17 → Romans 11:25-27 | The idea of God's rejection of His people is also found in Romans 11:25-27, where Paul speaks of the hardening of Israel's heart, and the promise of restoration that God has made to them. |
| 9 | Hosea 9:1-4 → Hebrews 13:15 | The idea of offering sacrifices with sinful and idolatrous hearts is also found in Hebrews 13:15, where the people are commanded to offer sacrifices of praise to God, and to do good and to share with others. |
| 10 | Hosea 9:10-17 → Revelation 21:1-4 | The idea of the restoration of God's people is also found in Revelation 21:1-4, where John sees a new heaven and a new earth, and the people of God are restored to their rightful place with Him. |
Sermons on Hosea 9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Hosea #7 Ch. 11-12 Hosea by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Hosea and its message about God's love and Israel's disloyalty. The speaker highlights how God drew Israel with cords of love and |
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God's Love/hate Relationship With the World by David Servant | David Servant challenges the common Christian cliché 'God loves the sinner but hates the sin,' pointing out that Scripture reveals God's hatred towards sinners as well. He emphasiz |
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The Prophetic Savant by Chip Brogden | Chip Brogden delves into the concept of the prophetic savant, likening them to individuals with a heavenly autism who struggle to relate to others due to their unique connection wi |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Hosea 9
Matthew Henry's commentary on Hosea 9 emphasizes the idea that God is a God of justice and mercy, and that He desires obedience and faithfulness from His people. The chapter is a call to repentance, warning the people of Israel of the consequences of their sin and idolatry, and promising restoration and redemption to those who seek God. Henry notes that the chapter is a message of judgment and restoration, and that it emphasizes the importance of seeking God and turning away from sinful ways. He also notes that the chapter speaks of the promise of restoration, and the idea that God desires to bring His people back to Himself. Throughout the commentary, Henry emphasizes the idea that God is a God of love and care, and that He desires to bring His people back to Himself through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Consequences of Sin
Throughout the chapter, we see the consequences of Israel's sin and idolatry. The people are warned of the coming judgment, and are urged to seek God and to turn away from their sinful ways. This emphasizes the importance of living a life of obedience and faithfulness to God.
The Promise of Restoration
The chapter also speaks of the promise of restoration, and the idea that God desires to bring His people back to Himself. This emphasizes the idea that God is a God of redemption and restoration, and that He desires to bring His people back to Himself.
The Importance of Seeking God
Throughout the chapter, we see the importance of seeking God and turning away from sinful ways. The people are urged to seek God, and to turn away from their idolatry and sin. This emphasizes the idea that seeking God is essential to living a life of obedience and faithfulness to Him.



