Hosea 10:6

KJV

It shall be also carried unto Assyria [for] a present to king Jareb: Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.

KJV (with Strong's)

It shall be also carried {H2986} unto Assyria {H804} for a present {H4503} to king {H4428} Jareb {H3377}: Ephraim {H669} shall receive {H3947} shame {H1317}, and Israel {H3478} shall be ashamed {H954} of his own counsel {H6098}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It will be carried to Ashur as a present for a warring king. Efrayim will be put to shame, and Isra'el be ashamed of his own advice.

Berean Standard Bible

Yes, it will be carried to Assyria as tribute to the great king. Ephraim will be seized with shame; Israel will be ashamed of its wooden idols.

American Standard Version

It also shall be carried unto Assyria for a present to king Jareb: Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 10:6 vividly prophesies the humiliating consequences of Israel's idolatry and misguided political alliances, declaring that their prized idols, far from offering protection, would be seized as tribute and carried off to Assyria. This act would bring profound shame upon Ephraim and Israel, revealing the utter futility and self-destructive nature of their reliance on human counsel and false gods rather than on the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 10 is a powerful indictment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel (often called Ephraim) for their deep-seated apostasy and political instability. The chapter opens with Israel described as a luxuriant vine producing fruit for itself, symbolizing their prosperity used for idolatry rather than for God's glory. It condemns their divided heart, their numerous altars, and their trust in human kings and military might over divine covenant. Verse 6 specifically follows a declaration of judgment on their idolatrous practices and their reliance on foreign alliances, particularly with Assyria. The "calf of Beth-aven" (Beth-el, meaning "house of God," ironically renamed "house of wickedness" due to its idolatry) is mentioned in [Hosea 10:5](/hosea/10-5 "Hosea 10:5 - The Calf of Beth-Aven") as a source of false hope and misplaced worship, setting the stage for the humiliation described in verse 6, where this very idol becomes plunder.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Hosea ministered during the turbulent 8th century BC, a period marked by the decline of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the relentless rise of the Assyrian Empire. Israel, caught between the regional superpowers of Assyria and Egypt, frequently vacillated in its foreign policy, seeking alliances with one against the other. This political maneuvering often involved costly tributes and ultimately proved futile against Assyria's overwhelming power. Spiritually, this era was characterized by rampant idolatry, syncretism (blending Yahweh worship with Canaanite Baal worship), and social injustice, all of which Hosea vehemently condemned as a betrayal of God's covenant. The carrying off of idols and temple treasures was a common practice of conquering empires like Assyria, symbolizing the defeat of the conquered nation's gods and the supremacy of the victor's deities.
* **Key Themes:** Hosea 10:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Hosea. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, illustrating that Israel's persistent unfaithfulness and idolatry would inevitably lead to severe punishment, including national humiliation and exile. Secondly, it highlights the **Folly of Misguided Counsel and Self-Reliance**, demonstrating that Israel's strategic alliances and self-devised plans, devoid of divine wisdom, would result in their disgrace. This contrasts sharply with the wisdom found in passages like [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord"), which admonishes trusting in the Lord with all one's heart. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **Futility of Idolatry**, as the very objects of their trust and worship would become symbols of their defeat, carried off as tribute to their oppressors. This serves as a powerful testament to the emptiness of false gods, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic literature, such as in [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **carried (Hebrew, _yâbal'_):** From H2986, meaning "to flow; causatively, to bring (especially with pomp); bring (forth), carry, lead (forth)." Here, it denotes the forced transport of the idol, not as a voluntary offering, but as spoils of war, emphasizing the humiliation and loss of control for Israel.
* **Jareb (Hebrew, _Yârêb'_):):** From H3377, meaning "he will contend; Jareb, a symbolical name for Assyria." This name, likely a symbolic or descriptive title rather than a specific king's name, casts the Assyrian king as a "contender" or "avenger," suggesting he is an instrument of God's judgment against Israel's unfaithfulness, contending against them for their sins.
* **shame (Hebrew, _boshnâh'_):** From H1317, meaning "shamefulness; shame." This word, along with the verb "shall be ashamed" (H954, _bûwsh_), powerfully conveys the deep disgrace, humiliation, and disappointment that would befall Israel. It signifies not just political defeat but the profound spiritual and moral degradation resulting from their failed trust in idols and human schemes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It shall be also carried unto Assyria [for] a present to king Jareb":** This clause describes the fate of Israel's idol, specifically the calf of Beth-aven (mentioned in the preceding verse), or perhaps their wealth and sacred objects. Instead of protecting them, these objects would be seized as tribute or plunder and transported to Assyria. The term "present" (Hebrew, _minchâh'_ - H4503) is ironic; what was once a sacred offering or a gift is now a forced tribute, a sign of subjugation to a foreign king, King Jareb (the "contender" or "avenger").
* **"Ephraim shall receive shame":** Ephraim, representing the Northern Kingdom of Israel, is personified here. This phrase declares the direct consequence of their actions: profound humiliation and disgrace. This shame is multifaceted, encompassing the public exposure of their spiritual bankruptcy, the failure of their political strategies, and the realization that their trust in idols was utterly misplaced.
* **"and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel":** This final clause pinpoints the root cause of their downfall. "Counsel" (Hebrew, _ʻêtsâh'_ - H6098) refers to their plans, strategies, and decisions. Israel's shame stems from the bitter realization that their own human wisdom, political maneuvering, and self-devised schemes—devoid of God's guidance and in defiance of His covenant—led directly to their ruin and disgrace.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 10:6 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of judgment and shame. **Irony** is central, as the very idols Israel trusted for security and prosperity become a "present" (tribute) to their conquerors, symbolizing their utter powerlessness and the futility of their worship. What was meant to be a source of strength becomes a source of humiliation. **Personification** is evident in "Ephraim shall receive shame," giving the nation human attributes of experiencing disgrace. The phrase "Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel" uses **Metonymy**, where "Israel" stands for the people and their collective leadership, and "counsel" represents their misguided plans and strategies. The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Announcement of Judgment**, using vivid, concrete imagery to foretell future events and their emotional impact, thereby serving as a stark warning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 10:6 serves as a powerful theological statement about the consequences of idolatry and self-reliance, revealing God's justice in allowing nations to reap the fruit of their unfaithfulness. It underscores the principle that true security and wisdom are found only in covenant faithfulness to the Lord, not in human schemes or false gods. The humiliation described is not merely political defeat but a spiritual disgrace, exposing the emptiness of anything placed above God. This divine judgment, though severe, is ultimately aimed at revealing the truth of God's sovereignty and the futility of rebellion against Him.

* [Jeremiah 2:26-27](/jeremiah/2-26-27 "Jeremiah 2:26-27 - Shame of Idolatry")
* [Isaiah 30:1-3](/isaiah/30-1-3 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Trusting in Egypt for Help")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4-8 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Futility of Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 10:6 offers profound and timeless lessons for believers today. It calls us to critically examine where we place our trust and derive our counsel. In a world that constantly encourages self-reliance, strategic alliances, and the pursuit of material security, this verse serves as a stark reminder that anything we elevate above God—be it our careers, finances, relationships, or even our own intellect—can become a modern idol. When we lean on our own understanding or seek solutions apart from God's wisdom, we risk facing the same kind of "shame" that befell Israel: the bitter realization that our carefully laid plans, devoid of divine guidance, lead to disappointment and ruin. True security and lasting peace are found only in humble submission to God's will and unwavering trust in His provision. This verse challenges us to cultivate a heart that consistently turns to the Lord for counsel, recognizing that His ways are always superior and ultimately lead to flourishing, not shame.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "counsel" or strategies do I rely on most when facing challenges, and how often do I genuinely seek God's wisdom first?**
* **Are there any "idols" in my life—things I trust in for security or identity more than God—that could ultimately lead to shame or disappointment?**
* **How does Israel's experience of shame encourage me to live a life of greater humility and dependence on God?**

### FAQ
**Who is "King Jareb" and why is he significant?**

Answer: "King Jareb" (Hebrew, _Yârêb'_) is not the name of a historically known Assyrian king, but rather a symbolic or descriptive title. The name means "he will contend" or "one who strives." This suggests that the Assyrian king, whoever he might be (scholars often associate him with Tiglath-Pileser III, who exacted heavy tribute from Israel), is portrayed as God's instrument of judgment. He is the one who "contends" with Israel, bringing about the consequences of their unfaithfulness. The significance lies in the fact that Israel's chosen political ally (or oppressor) would become the very agent of their humiliation, carrying off their idols and treasures as tribute, demonstrating the utter failure of their human-centered schemes. This highlights God's sovereign control over nations and His use of even pagan rulers to fulfill His purposes, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 10:6, with its themes of Israel's shame, the futility of their counsel, and the judgment brought by a "contending" king, finds its profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Israel's shame stemmed from their rejection of God's covenant and their reliance on false gods and human wisdom. In contrast, Jesus is the embodiment of God's perfect wisdom and counsel, the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are all treasures of wisdom")). While Israel faced judgment and humiliation for their sin, Christ willingly bore the ultimate shame and humiliation of the cross, becoming a "present" or sacrifice, not to an earthly king, but to God, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He was "despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Christ's Suffering")), enduring the very shame that humanity deserved, so that those who trust in Him might never be put to shame ([Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - No one who believes in Him will be put to shame")). The "contending" king of Assyria brought judgment, but Christ, the true King, contended with sin and death on our behalf, securing eternal victory and offering true counsel and salvation to all who believe.

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

Hosea 5:13

When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah [saw] his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound.

Isaiah 30:3

Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt [your] confusion.

Daniel 11:8

And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, [and] with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue [more] years than the king of the north.

Jeremiah 7:24

But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels [and] in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.

Hosea 4:7

As they were increased, so they sinned against me: [therefore] will I change their glory into shame.

Hosea 8:6

For from Israel [was] it also: the workman made it; therefore it [is] not God: but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.

Jeremiah 2:36

Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria.