Hosea 1:5

KJV

And it shall come to pass at that day, that I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass at that day {H3117}, that I will break {H7665} the bow {H7198} of Israel {H3478} in the valley {H6010} of Jezreel {H3157}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When that day comes, I will break the bow of Isra'el in the Yizre'el Valley."

Berean Standard Bible

And on that day I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel.”

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass at that day, that I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 1:5 delivers a potent prophetic declaration concerning the Northern Kingdom of Israel, foretelling a decisive act of divine judgment. It announces God's sovereign intent to dismantle Israel's military power and national sovereignty, specifically pinpointing the Valley of Jezreel as the symbolic and literal location where this judgment will unfold. This verse underscores the inevitable consequences of Israel's persistent unfaithfulness and idolatry, signaling the end of an era for the rebellious nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the naming of Hosea's first child, Jezreel, in [Hosea 1:4](/hosea/1-4 "Hosea 1:4 - The Naming of Jezreel"). The naming of the child is a prophetic act, linking the judgment on the "house of Jehu" to the very place where Jehu executed his bloody purge. Thus, [Hosea 1:5](/hosea/1-5 "Hosea 1:5 - God Breaks the Bow of Israel") extends this prophetic symbolism, moving from the judgment on a specific dynasty to the broader national consequence: the breaking of Israel's military might. The subsequent verses, [Hosea 1:6-9](/hosea/1-6-9 "Hosea 1:6-9 - The Naming of Lo-Ruhamah and Lo-Ammi"), introduce the names of Hosea's other children, Lo-Ruhamah ("No Mercy") and Lo-Ammi ("Not My People"), further intensifying the message of divine withdrawal and impending exile for Israel, contrasting sharply with the promise of future restoration for Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hosea prophesied during the tumultuous 8th century BCE, a period marked by profound political instability, moral decay, and rampant idolatry in the Northern Kingdom of Israel (also known as Ephraim). This was an era of frequent coups, assassinations, and a succession of weak kings, leading to a severe weakening of the nation's internal and external defenses. The Assyrian Empire was rapidly expanding, posing an existential threat to smaller nations like Israel. The "valley of Jezreel," also known as the Plain of Esdraelon, was a vast and fertile plain in northern Israel, renowned as a strategic battleground throughout Israelite history due to its open terrain and crucial trade routes. Its historical significance, particularly as the site of Jehu's bloody coup against the house of Ahab (recorded in [2 Kings 9](/2_kings/9 "2 Kings 9 - Jehu's Anointing and Coup") and [2 Kings 10](/2_kings/10 "2 Kings 10 - Jehu's Purge")), made it a fitting location for a prophetic declaration of national judgment.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes interwoven throughout [Hosea 1](/hosea/1 "Hosea 1 - God's Judgment and Mercy") and the broader book include **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, where God explicitly declares His active role in Israel's downfall, emphasizing His ultimate control over nations. The "breaking of the bow" signifies the **Loss of Military Power and National Sovereignty**, illustrating that Israel's reliance on its own strength or foreign alliances (rather than God) would prove futile. The **Symbolism of Jezreel** is multifaceted: while it recalls past bloodshed and judgment (from [Hosea 1:4](/hosea/1-4 "Hosea 1:4 - Judgment on Jehu")), its name, derived from the Hebrew for "God sows," also foreshadows a divine "sowing" of judgment—the scattering of Israel's people into exile, a major theme developed throughout Hosea's prophecy. This judgment is a direct consequence of Israel's pervasive **Covenant Unfaithfulness** and spiritual adultery, depicted vividly through Hosea's own marriage to Gomer in [Hosea 1:2-3](/hosea/1-2-3 "Hosea 1:2-3 - Hosea's Marriage to Gomer").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **break (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to burst (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it signifies a complete and decisive shattering, not merely a weakening. It implies total destruction, rendering something useless. Here, it is God who performs this action, emphasizing His sovereign power and the finality of the judgment.
* **bow (Hebrew, _qesheth'_):** Refers to a bow, the primary weapon of war in ancient times. Figuratively, it represents military strength, power, and the ability to defend oneself or wage war. The breaking of the bow, therefore, symbolizes the utter incapacitation and disarmament of Israel's military might and, by extension, its national sovereignty.
* **Jezreel (Hebrew, _Yizrᵉʻêʼl'_):** Meaning "God will sow" or "God scatters." This name is profoundly symbolic. While it refers to a specific valley, it also carries a double meaning in Hosea. In [Hosea 1:4](/hosea/1-4 "Hosea 1:4 - Judgment on Jehu's House"), it points to a judgment for past bloodshed. Here, in [Hosea 1:5](/hosea/1-5 "Hosea 1:5 - The Breaking of the Bow"), combined with the "breaking of the bow," it powerfully foreshadows God's act of "sowing" judgment, leading to the scattering of Israel's military power and people into exile.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass at that day":** This phrase serves as a prophetic marker, pointing to a specific, divinely appointed future time for the fulfillment of the prophecy. It emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of the impending judgment, indicating that this is not a mere possibility but a decreed event in God's sovereign plan for Israel.
* **"that I will break the bow of Israel":** This is the core declaration of divine judgment. The "I" is God Himself, asserting His direct agency in Israel's downfall. "The bow of Israel" is a metonymy for Israel's military strength, its capacity for warfare, and its national defense. To "break the bow" signifies the complete and utter destruction of this power, rendering the nation defenseless and vulnerable to its enemies.
* **"in the valley of Jezreel":** This specifies the location where this decisive blow will occur. The Valley of Jezreel, historically a site of many battles and Jehu's bloody purge, becomes the symbolic stage for Israel's military defeat and the beginning of its national disintegration. The choice of this location underscores the historical continuity of divine judgment and the profound symbolism inherent in the name "Jezreel" itself.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 1:5 is rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "the bow of Israel" serving as a potent symbol for the nation's military strength, its capacity for self-defense, and its overall national power. Its "breaking" symbolizes total defeat and disarmament. The "valley of Jezreel" is also highly symbolic, representing not only a historical battleground but also, through its name, the idea of God "sowing" or "scattering" His people in judgment. This dual meaning adds layers of prophetic significance. The phrase "I will break" exemplifies **Divine Agency**, emphasizing God's direct and sovereign involvement in the unfolding historical events, rather than attributing Israel's downfall to mere political or military happenstance. Furthermore, the verse functions as a direct **Prophecy**, a divinely inspired declaration of future events, underscoring the certainty of God's word and His ultimate control over the destinies of nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 1:5 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering sovereignty over nations and His righteous judgment against unrepentant sin. Despite His covenant love for Israel, God's holiness demands accountability, and persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness inevitably lead to severe consequences. The breaking of Israel's bow in Jezreel is a stark reminder that national strength and security are ultimately dependent on divine favor, not military might or political alliances. This judgment serves as a painful, yet necessary, act of divine discipline, designed to call His people back to Himself, even if it means scattering them before ultimately gathering them again. It highlights the principle that God will not be mocked and that He holds all peoples accountable for their actions, particularly those who have entered into a covenant relationship with Him.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 5:15-17](/jeremiah/5-15-17 "Jeremiah 5:15-17 - God's Judgment Through a Foreign Nation")
* [Amos 9:8-9](/amos/9-8-9 "Amos 9:8-9 - The Shaking and Sifting of Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 1:5 serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that true security and strength are not found in human institutions, military might, or national prowess, but in a faithful relationship with God. For individuals and nations alike, placing ultimate trust in anything other than the Lord inevitably leads to vulnerability and, potentially, divine judgment. This verse challenges us to examine where our ultimate confidence lies. Do we rely on our own abilities, our financial stability, our political systems, or our perceived strength? Or do we humbly acknowledge God's sovereignty over all things, recognizing that He can dismantle any human construct at His will? It calls us to repentance when we have strayed, to realign our priorities with His kingdom, and to live in obedience to His covenant.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life or in my society am I placing trust in "bows" (human strength, resources, or systems) rather than in God's sovereign power?**
* **How does the concept of God's judgment, as seen in Hosea 1:5, shape my understanding of His character and His justice?**
* **What are the "valleys of Jezreel" in my own life—places or patterns of behavior where past disobedience might lead to future consequences if not repented of?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "bow of Israel" being broken?**

Answer: The "bow of Israel" symbolizes the nation's military strength, its capacity for defense, and its overall national power. In ancient warfare, the bow was a primary weapon, representing might and the ability to project power. When God declares, "I will break the bow of Israel," it signifies a complete and decisive dismantling of their military capabilities and, by extension, their national sovereignty. This means Israel would become defenseless, unable to protect itself from invading forces, ultimately leading to its subjugation and exile. It underscores that their security was not in their weapons or alliances, but in their covenant relationship with God, which they had violated.

**Why is the "valley of Jezreel" specifically mentioned as the location of this judgment?**

Answer: The "valley of Jezreel" (also known as the Plain of Esdraelon) was a historically significant and strategically vital location in northern Israel. It was a vast, fertile plain that served as a major battleground throughout Israel's history. Its mention here is profoundly symbolic for several reasons. Firstly, it was the site where Jehu carried out a bloody purge of the house of Ahab and Jezebel (as detailed in [2 Kings 9-10](/2_kings/9-10 "2 Kings 9-10 - Jehu's Coup and Purge")), an event directly referenced in [Hosea 1:4](/hosea/1-4 "Hosea 1:4 - Judgment on Jehu's House"). Thus, it connects the judgment on Jehu's dynasty to the broader national judgment. Secondly, the Hebrew name "Jezreel" (Yizrᵉʻêʼl) means "God will sow" or "God scatters." In this context, it foreshadows God's act of "sowing" judgment, leading to the scattering of Israel's military power and, eventually, the people themselves into exile, fulfilling the prophetic meaning embedded in the name.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Hosea 1:5 speaks of a physical judgment on the nation of Israel, foreshadowing their defeat and scattering, it also points to deeper spiritual truths that find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The breaking of Israel's earthly bow highlights the futility of relying on human strength or worldly power for ultimate security. In contrast, Christ's kingdom is not of this world, and His victory is not achieved through physical weaponry but through spiritual power and sacrificial love. Jesus, the true "Lamb of God" (as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), disarmed the principalities and powers through His death and resurrection, triumphing over them on the cross (as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). He breaks the spiritual "bows" of sin and death, offering true freedom and peace. Furthermore, while the Valley of Jezreel spoke of God "sowing" judgment and scattering, in Christ, God "sows" the good seed of the Gospel (as seen in the parable of the sower in [Matthew 13:3-9](/matthew/13-3-9 "Matthew 13:3-9 - The Parable of the Sower")), gathering a spiritual harvest from every nation, tribe, and tongue into His eternal kingdom, reversing the curse of scattering and bringing ultimate unity and restoration.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 17:16

And the children of Joseph said, The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, [both they] who [are] of Bethshean and her towns, and [they] who [are] of the valley of Jezreel.

Judges 6:33

¶ Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel.

2 Kings 15:29

In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria.

Psalms 37:15

Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

Jeremiah 49:34

¶ The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying,

Jeremiah 49:35

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.

Hosea 2:18

And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and [with] the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.