Hosea 10:10

KJV

[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.

KJV (with Strong's)

It is in my desire {H185} that I should chastise {H3256} them; and the people {H5971} shall be gathered {H622} against them, when they shall bind {H631} themselves in their two {H8147} furrows {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When I wish to, I will discipline them; and the peoples will be gathered against them to discipline them for their two crimes."

Berean Standard Bible

I will chasten them when I please; nations will be gathered against them to put them in bondage for their double transgression.

American Standard Version

When it is my desire, I will chastise them; and the peoples shall be gathered against them, when they are bound to their two transgressions.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 10:10 reveals God's sovereign intent to discipline the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) due to their persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. The verse declares divine judgment as a desired act of chastisement, leading to the gathering of hostile nations against them. This impending judgment is portrayed as a direct consequence of Israel's self-imposed spiritual bondage and divided loyalties, metaphorically described as binding themselves in their "two furrows," signifying their deep entanglement in sin and their own destructive choices.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 10:10 is situated within a series of pronouncements of judgment against Israel, particularly Ephraim, for their spiritual apostasy. The preceding verses (Hosea 10:1-8) lament Israel's prosperity, which led to increased idolatry and the multiplication of altars. God's judgment is depicted as a stripping away of their false security, culminating in the destruction of their high places and the rejection of their king. Verse 9 recalls their historical sin from the days of Gibeah, emphasizing their continuous rebellion. Verse 10, then, explicitly states God's active role in their impending downfall, framing it as a deliberate act of chastisement. The subsequent verses (Hosea 10:11-15) continue the agricultural metaphors, urging Israel to "sow righteousness" and "reap mercy" before the full force of judgment arrives, highlighting the contrast between their sinful harvest and God's desire for their repentance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Hosea was delivered during the tumultuous final decades of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, roughly 750-722 BC, leading up to its conquest by Assyria. This period was marked by political instability, frequent changes in kings, and a foreign policy that vacillated between alliances with Egypt and Assyria, rather than relying on God. Culturally, Israel had deeply assimilated Canaanite religious practices, particularly the worship of Baal, which involved fertility rites and idol worship at numerous high places (e.g., Bethel and Dan). This syncretism represented a severe breach of their covenant with Yahweh, who demanded exclusive devotion. The "gathering of the people" against them directly refers to the Assyrian military campaigns that would devastate Israel, fulfilling the covenant curses for disobedience. The agricultural imagery throughout Hosea, including "furrows," resonates deeply with an agrarian society, making the consequences of their spiritual "sowing" readily understandable.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hosea. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Discipline and Judgment**, portraying God's actions as a necessary, albeit painful, response to Israel's unfaithfulness. This is not arbitrary punishment but a corrective measure rooted in God's covenant relationship with His people, aiming to bring them back to righteousness, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 8:5](/deuteronomy/8-5 "Deuteronomy 8:5 - God's Discipline"). Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Idolatry and Covenant Breaking**. Israel's persistent worship of other gods and their reliance on foreign alliances (e.g., [Hosea 7:11](/hosea/7-11 "Hosea 7:11 - Ephraim's Folly")) directly led to their vulnerability and the impending invasion. Thirdly, the enigmatic phrase "two furrows" touches upon the theme of **Divided Loyalty and Spiritual Entrapment**. Whether referring to specific sins, dual allegiances (God and Baal, Egypt and Assyria), or their deep-seated commitment to their sinful ways, it illustrates how their own choices led to their predicament, making them ripe for judgment. This resonates with the broader prophetic message that [sowing wickedness yields a harvest of iniquity](/hosea/10-13 "Hosea 10:13 - Sowing Wickedness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **desire (Hebrew, _ʼavvâh'_):** From the root אָוָה, this noun signifies a deep longing, craving, or pleasure. In this context, it reveals God's deliberate and intentional will behind the impending chastisement. It is not an act of capricious anger, but a purposeful "desire" or will to bring about correction, even if it involves severe judgment. This suggests a divine resolve rooted in righteousness and covenant fidelity.
* **chastise (Hebrew, _yâçar'_):** A primitive root, this verb encompasses a range of meanings from physical blows and punishment to instruction, correction, and teaching. While the outcome for Israel would be painful and destructive (the gathering of hostile people), the underlying divine intent, as conveyed by this word, is disciplinary and corrective. God's aim is not annihilation but a severe lesson designed to bring about repentance and reform, though Israel's stubbornness often resisted this ultimate purpose.
* **furrows (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** This word is particularly complex and critical for understanding the verse. While the KJV translates it as "furrows," the primary meaning of H5869 (_ʻayin_) is "eye." It can also metaphorically refer to a fountain, appearance, or even "affliction." The meaning "furrow" is derived from the margin or a secondary, agricultural association (perhaps "eye" of the ground, or a trench). This ambiguity has led to various interpretations of "two furrows." It could refer to:
1. **Agricultural furrows:** Israel is metaphorically yoked to their own destructive path, plowing a field of sin that will yield judgment. The "two" could emphasize a double portion of their sinful labor.
2. **"Two eyes" or "two springs":** Less likely in this context, but highlights the semantic range.
3. **"Two iniquities" or "two sins":** This interpretation, supported by the Septuagint's rendering, suggests that "furrows" is a euphemism or a wordplay on "iniquities" (from _ʻavon_). This would point to Israel's dual forms of apostasy, such as worshipping two different deities (Baal and Yahweh) or maintaining two prominent centers of idolatry (Bethel and Dan), or their divided allegiance between God and foreign powers (Egypt and Assyria). This understanding emphasizes the moral and theological dimension of their self-binding.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[It is] in my desire that I should chastise them;":** This opening clause unequivocally declares God's initiative and sovereign will in the impending judgment. The "desire" (or "pleasure," "will") of God is not one of arbitrary wrath but a deliberate, purposeful act of discipline. The word "chastise" indicates that the purpose is corrective, even though the means will be severe. This sets the tone for understanding the coming affliction as divine discipline rather than mere misfortune.
* **"and the people shall be gathered against them,":** This clause describes the immediate consequence of God's desired chastisement: the mobilization of hostile forces, specifically referring to the Assyrian armies. This gathering of "the people" (foreign nations) against Israel signifies military invasion and conquest, which would lead to the destruction of their kingdom and the exile of its inhabitants. It is the tangible manifestation of God's judgment for their unfaithfulness.
* **"when they shall bind themselves in their two furrows.":** This final clause provides the reason or condition for the judgment, using a powerful metaphor. "Binding themselves" suggests self-imposed entanglement or a deep commitment to a course of action. The phrase "in their two furrows" is highly interpretive, but generally points to Israel's deep-seated sin, divided loyalties, or their stubborn adherence to a destructive path. Whether it refers to specific dual sins, their reliance on two foreign powers, or their persistent spiritual harlotry, the imagery conveys a people yoked to their own iniquity, making them vulnerable to the divine harvest of judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 10:10 employs several potent literary devices. **Personification** is evident in God's "desire" to chastise, attributing a human emotion and will to the divine, emphasizing the intentionality behind the judgment. The central image of "binding themselves in their two furrows" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**. This agricultural imagery, prevalent throughout Hosea, likens Israel's sinful actions to plowing a field that will yield a bitter harvest. The "binding" suggests a self-imposed servitude or deep entanglement in their own destructive choices, much like an animal yoked to a plow, unable to deviate from its path. There is also an element of **Irony**, as Israel's attempts to secure themselves through idolatry and foreign alliances ultimately lead to their self-inflicted bondage and vulnerability to the very "people" they sought to appease or rely upon. The ambiguity of "two furrows" itself is a form of **Symbolism**, allowing for multiple layers of interpretation, all pointing to Israel's profound and multifaceted spiritual departure from God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 10:10 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that God, in His holiness and justice, will not tolerate persistent sin and covenant unfaithfulness. His "desire" to chastise is not punitive in a vengeful sense, but disciplinary, aimed at correction and restoration, even when the means are severe. This verse serves as a stark reminder that spiritual rebellion has tangible consequences, often manifesting as external pressures and judgments. It highlights the divine prerogative to intervene in human history to uphold His righteous standards and to call His people back to Himself, demonstrating that God's love includes the painful necessity of discipline for those He calls His own.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline for His Children")
* [Galatians 6:7-8](/galatians/6-7-8 "Galatians 6:7-8 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 10:10 offers a sobering yet ultimately hopeful message for believers today. It calls us to examine our own hearts for any divided loyalties or areas where we might be "binding ourselves" to habits, desires, or relationships that pull us away from God. Just as Israel sought security in idols and foreign alliances, we can be tempted to find our comfort, identity, or purpose in worldly pursuits rather than in Christ alone. This verse reminds us that God's discipline, though uncomfortable or painful, is a testament to His love and His desire for our holiness. It is an invitation to humble ourselves, acknowledge our sin, and turn back to Him wholeheartedly. Recognizing that God's chastisement is for our good should motivate us to embrace His correction, repent quickly, and pursue a life of undivided devotion, trusting that His ultimate purpose is our spiritual flourishing and intimate fellowship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing God's gentle (or not-so-gentle) chastisement, and what might He be trying to teach me?**
* **Am I truly committed to God alone, or are there "two furrows" in my life where my loyalties are divided between God and worldly pursuits or sinful habits?**
* **How does understanding God's "desire" to chastise, rather than merely punish, change my perspective on difficult circumstances in my life?**

### FAQ

**What does "two furrows" specifically refer to in Hosea 10:10?**

Answer: The phrase "two furrows" (KJV) is one of the most debated and ambiguous parts of Hosea 10:10. Based on the Hebrew word (_ʻayin_, H5869), which primarily means "eye" but can also refer to a "furrow" (from the margin) or even "iniquity" (by a Septuagint interpretation or wordplay), several interpretations are possible. It most likely refers to Israel's divided loyalties and deep-seated sinfulness. This could mean: (1) Their dual forms of idolatry, perhaps worshipping both Yahweh and Baal, or maintaining cultic centers at both Bethel and Dan. (2) Their political double-dealing, seeking alliances with both Egypt and Assyria rather than trusting God, as seen in [Hosea 7:11](/hosea/7-11 "Hosea 7:11 - Ephraim's Folly"). (3) A more general metaphor for their deep entanglement in sin, as if they were yoked to their own destructive path, plowing a field of wickedness that would yield a bitter harvest, as mentioned in [Hosea 10:13](/hosea/10-13 "Hosea 10:13 - Sowing Wickedness"). The core idea is that Israel's own choices and divided heart led to their predicament and the impending divine judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 10:10, with its portrayal of God's "desire" to chastise His people for their sin, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. While Israel faced physical invasion and exile for their unfaithfulness, the New Covenant reveals a deeper, spiritual chastisement that culminates in Christ's atoning work. Humanity, like ancient Israel, is "bound in its furrows" of sin, unable to escape the just consequences of rebellion against a holy God. Yet, God's ultimate "desire" for humanity was not merely punitive judgment, but redemptive reconciliation. This was accomplished through Christ, who, unlike Israel, perfectly fulfilled God's righteous demands and bore the full weight of divine wrath and chastisement for sin on the cross (see [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). Through His sacrifice, believers are freed from the bondage of their "two furrows" of sin and self-reliance, and are instead yoked to Christ, whose "yoke is easy and burden is light" ([Matthew 11:29-30](/matthew/11-29-30 "Matthew 11:29-30 - Christ's Easy Yoke")). Furthermore, for those in Christ, divine discipline shifts from a judgment unto destruction to a loving correction that molds us into His likeness, proving our sonship and leading to holiness ([Hebrews 12:6-11](/hebrews/12-6-11 "Hebrews 12:6-11 - God Disciplines Those He Loves")). Thus, the stern warning of Hosea 10:10 foreshadows the ultimate divine intervention in Christ, where God’s justice and mercy perfectly converge to offer salvation from the very judgment that Israel faced.

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

Ezekiel 5:13

Thus shall mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted: and they shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it] in my zeal, when I have accomplished my fury in them.

Hosea 4:9

And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.

Jeremiah 16:16

Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.

Jeremiah 21:4

Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that [are] in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and [against] the Chaldeans, which besiege you without the walls, and I will assemble them into the midst of this city.

Zechariah 14:2

For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

Zechariah 14:3

Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.

Micah 4:10

Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go [even] to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.