◄ Hosea 6:10 ►
In the house of Israel I have seen a horrible thing: Ephraim practices prostitution there, and Israel is defiled.
Study Bible
I have seen
The phrase "I have seen" indicates a direct observation by God, emphasizing His omniscience and the personal nature of His relationship with Israel. The Hebrew root for "seen" is רָאָה (ra'ah), which implies not just a casual glance but a deep, penetrating insight. This suggests that God is fully aware of the inner workings and hidden sins of His people, leaving no room for deception or denial.

a horrible thing
translates from the Hebrew word שַׁעֲרוּרִיָּה (sha'aruriyyah), which conveys a sense of something shocking or abominable. This term is used to describe actions that are not only sinful but also deeply offensive to God. The use of such a strong word underscores the gravity of Israel's transgressions and the profound disappointment it brings to God, who desires holiness and righteousness from His people.

in the house of Israel
The "house of Israel" refers to the entire nation, God's chosen people, who were set apart to be a light to the nations. Historically, this phrase encompasses both the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah), though Hosea primarily addresses the Northern Kingdom. The use of "house" (בַּיִת, bayit) signifies not just a physical dwelling but a familial and covenantal relationship. It highlights the betrayal of a people who were meant to live in close communion with God, yet have turned to idolatry and immorality.

There
points to a specific location or condition within Israel, emphasizing that the sin is not abstract but has a tangible presence. It serves as a marker of where the transgression is most evident, drawing attention to the epicenter of Israel's spiritual adultery.

Ephraim
is often used as a representative name for the Northern Kingdom of Israel, as it was the largest and most influential tribe. The historical context reveals that Ephraim was a leader among the tribes, and its actions set a precedent for the rest of the nation. The mention of Ephraim highlights the widespread nature of the sin and the failure of leadership to uphold God's covenant.

practices prostitution
is a metaphor for idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. The Hebrew word זָנָה (zanah) is used here, which literally means to commit fornication or adultery. In the prophetic literature, this term is frequently employed to describe Israel's spiritual infidelity, as they pursued other gods and forsook their covenant with Yahweh. This imagery is powerful, illustrating the depth of Israel's betrayal and the pain it causes God, akin to the heartbreak of marital unfaithfulness.

Israel
once again refers to the collective nation, emphasizing that the sin is not isolated but has permeated the entire community. This collective identity reminds readers of the corporate responsibility and the impact of individual and tribal sins on the whole nation.

is defiled
comes from the Hebrew טָמֵא (tame), meaning to be unclean or impure. This term is often associated with ritual impurity, which disqualifies one from participating in worship and community life. The defilement of Israel signifies a breach in their relationship with God, rendering them unfit for His presence and blessings. It serves as a call to repentance and purification, urging the nation to return to holiness and fidelity to their covenant with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hosea
A prophet in the 8th century BC, Hosea was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His life and marriage were symbolic of God's relationship with Israel.

2. Ephraim
One of the tribes of Israel, often used to represent the Northern Kingdom as a whole. Ephraim was known for its significant role in the history and leadership of Israel.

3. Israel
The Northern Kingdom, consisting of ten tribes, which had turned away from God and engaged in idolatry and immorality.

4. Promiscuity
This term is used metaphorically to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God through idolatry and alliances with foreign nations.

5. Defilement
A state of impurity and corruption, both spiritually and morally, resulting from Israel's unfaithfulness.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of Spiritual Unfaithfulness
Just as God viewed Israel's idolatry as a "horrible thing," we must recognize the gravity of spiritual unfaithfulness in our own lives. Idolatry can take many forms, including materialism, pride, or misplaced priorities.

The Call to Repentance
Hosea's message is a call to return to God. We are reminded of the importance of repentance and the need to turn away from anything that defiles our relationship with Him.

The Consequences of Sin
Israel's defilement serves as a warning of the consequences of sin. Sin separates us from God and leads to spiritual decay. We must be vigilant in maintaining purity and holiness.

God's Desire for Restoration
Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God's ultimate desire is for restoration and reconciliation. This reflects His grace and mercy, encouraging us to seek His forgiveness and healing.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the metaphor of promiscuity in Hosea 6:10 help us understand the nature of Israel's unfaithfulness to God?

2. In what ways can modern believers fall into spiritual promiscuity, and how can we guard against it?

3. How does the concept of defilement in Hosea 6:10 relate to the New Testament teachings on purity and holiness?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that our relationship with God remains undefiled and faithful?

5. How do the themes of judgment and hope in Hosea 6:10 encourage us to respond to God's call for repentance in our own lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 3
This chapter also addresses Israel's spiritual adultery and calls for repentance, highlighting God's desire for His people to return to Him.

Isaiah 1
Isaiah speaks of the moral and spiritual corruption of Israel, similar to Hosea's message, emphasizing the need for repentance and cleansing.

Revelation 2-3
The letters to the churches in Revelation address issues of spiritual compromise and call for repentance, paralleling the call to Israel in Hosea.
Sermons
Religion and IrreligionC. Jerdan Hosea 6:6-11
The Broken CovenantJ. Orr Hosea 6:7-11
People
Adam, Haggai, Hosea
Places
Assyria, Gilead, Shechem
Topics
Defiled, Ephraim, Ephraim's, E'phraim's, Evil, Harlotry, Horrible, Itself, Prostitution, Unclean, Whoredom
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Hosea 6:10

     6239   prostitution

Library
Our Miseries, Messengers of Mercy
Three things I must do this morning; first, I must deal a blow, at the old Tempter, who has got the first hand at you; secondly, I will come to reason comfortably with you; and then, thirdly, I must lovingly persuade you, saying--"Come, let us return unto the Lord." I. First then, I must DEAL A BLOW AT THE OLD TEMPTER, WHO HAS GOT BEFORE ME AND HAS BEGUN TO DECEIVE YOU. I cannot tell what is the precise temptation that Satan has been using with you, but I think it is very likely to be one of four. …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation, …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

The Limitations of Earth's Great Week.
We are well aware that in broaching this point we shall probably evoke the criticism of honored brethren and be charged with "setting a date" for the Return of our Lord. Nevertheless, we feel constrained to set down our honest convictions, only asking our readers to examine in the light of Holy Writ what we now advance tentatively and not dogmatically. In ancient times it was commonly held by Jewish rabbis before our Lord's first advent, and by many of the most eminent of the church fathers afterwards, …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements.
The stay in Cana, though we have no means of determining its length, was probably of only short duration. Perhaps the Sabbath of the same week already found Jesus in the Synagogue of Nazareth. We will not seek irreverently to lift the veil of sacred silence, which here, as elsewhere, the Gospel-narratives have laid over the Sanctuary of His inner Life. That silence is itself theopneustic, of Divine breathing and inspiration; it is more eloquent than any eloquence, a guarantee of the truthfulness …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

St Gregory the Great (Ad 540-604)
PART I Gregory was born at Rome, of a noble and wealthy family, in the year 540. In his youth he engaged in public business, and he rose to be proctor of Rome, which was one of the chief offices under the government. In this office he was much beloved and respected by the people. But about the age of thirty-five, a great change took place in his life. He resolved to forsake the pursuit of worldly honours, and spent all his wealth in founding seven monasteries. He gave up his family house at Rome …
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Letter xv (Circa A. D. 1129) to Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin
To Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin He praises the fatherly gentleness of Alvisus towards Godwin. He excuses himself, and asks pardon for having admitted him. To Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin. [18] 1. May God render to you the same mercy which you have shown towards your holy son Godwin. I know that at the news of his death you showed yourself unmindful of old complaints, and remembering only your friendship for him, behaved with kindness, not resentment, and putting aside the character of judge, showed yourself …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Prayer.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PRAYER. WHAT is prayer? A sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Spirit, for such things as God hath promised. The best prayers have often more groans than words. Alas, how few there be in the world whose heart and mouth in prayer shall go together. Dost thou, when thou askest for the Spirit, or faith, or love to God, to holiness, to saints, to the word, and the like, ask for them with love to them, …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan

The Coming Revival
"Wilt Thou not revive us again: that Thy people may rejoice in Thee?"--PS. lxxxv. 6. "O Lord, revive Thy work in the midst of the years."--HAB. iii. 2. "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me: Thy right hand shall save me."--PS. cxxxviii. 7. "I dwell with him that is of a humble and contrite heart, to revive the heart of the contrite ones."--ISA. lvii. 15. "Come, and let us return to the Lord: for He hath torn, and He will heal us. He will revive us."--HOS. vi. 1, 2. The Coming …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

The Strait Gate. Warned against Herod.
(Peræa.) ^C Luke XIII. 22-35. ^c 22 And he went on his way through cities and villages, teaching, and journeying on unto Jerusalem. [This verse probably refers back to verse 10, and indicates that Jesus resumed his journey after the brief rest on the Sabbath day when he healed the woman with the curvature of the spine.] 23 And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that are saved? [It is likely that this question was asked by a Jew, and that the two parables illustrating the smallness of the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished; …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath.
(Probably While on the Way from Jerusalem to Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 1-8; ^B Mark II. 23-28; ^C Luke VI. 1-5. ^b 23 And ^c 1 Now it came to pass ^a 1 At that season ^b that he ^a Jesus went { ^b was going} on the { ^c a} ^b sabbath day through the grainfields; ^a and his disciples were hungry and began ^b as they went, to pluck the ears. ^a and to eat, ^c and his disciples plucked the ears, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. [This lesson fits in chronological order with the last, if the Bethesda …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Backsliding.
"I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away."--Hosea xiv. 4. There are two kinds of backsliders. Some have never been converted: they have gone through the form of joining a Christian community and claim to be backsliders; but they never have, if I may use the expression, "slid forward." They may talk of backsliding; but they have never really been born again. They need to be treated differently from real back-sliders--those who have been born of the incorruptible …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It

Divine Calls.
"And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel; Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for Thy servant heareth."--1 Samuel iii. 10. In the narrative of which these words form part, we have a remarkable instance of a Divine call, and the manner in which it is our duty to meet it. Samuel was from a child brought to the house of the Lord; and in due time he was called to a sacred office, and made a prophet. He was called, and he forthwith answered the call. God said, "Samuel, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

Of the Nature of Regeneration, and Particularly of the Change it Produces in Men's Apprehensions.
2 COR. v. 17. 2 COR. v. 17. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away, behold all things are become new. THE knowledge of our true state in religion, is at once a matter of so great importance, and so great difficulty that, in order to obtain it, it is necessary we should have line upon line and precept upon precept. The plain discourse, which you before heard, was intended to lead you into it; and I question not but I then said enough to convince many, that they were …
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

Job's Faith and Expectation
I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand in the latter day upon the earth. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. C hristianity, that is, the religion of which MESSIAH is the author and object, the foundation, life, and glory, though not altogether as old as creation, is nearly so. It is coeval [contemporary] with the first promise and intimation of mercy given to fallen man. When Adam, by transgression, had violated the order and law of …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

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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