Hosea 13:15

KJV

Though he be fruitful among [his] brethren, an east wind shall come, the wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels.

KJV (with Strong's)

Though he be fruitful {H6500} among his brethren {H251}, an east wind {H6921} shall come {H935}, the wind {H7307} of the LORD {H3068} shall come up {H5927} from the wilderness {H4057}, and his spring {H4726} shall become dry {H954}, and his fountain {H4599} shall be dried up {H2717}: he shall spoil {H8154} the treasure {H214} of all pleasant {H2532} vessels {H3627}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Where are your plagues, death; where is your destruction, Sh'ol? My eyes are closed to compassion. For though he flourishes among the reeds, an east wind will come, a wind from ADONAI, blowing up from the desert. Then his water source will dry up, then his spring will fail it will plunder his treasury, removing every precious thing."

Berean Standard Bible

Although he flourishes among his brothers, an east wind will come— a wind from the LORD rising up from the desert. His fountain will fail, and his spring will run dry. The wind will plunder his treasury of every precious article.

American Standard Version

Though he be fruitful among his brethren, an east wind shall come, the breath of Jehovah coming up from the wilderness; and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall make spoil of the treasure of all goodly vessels.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 13:15 delivers a stark prophecy of divine judgment against Ephraim, representing the northern kingdom of Israel. Despite their past prosperity and "fruitfulness," the verse warns of an impending, devastating desolation brought about by God Himself. This judgment, symbolized by a scorching east wind, will utterly dry up their sources of life and prosperity, leading to the complete plunder of their most cherished possessions, a direct consequence of their persistent unfaithfulness and idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter part of the Book of Hosea, specifically in chapter 13, which serves as a climactic declaration of God's severe judgment against Israel (often called Ephraim) for their profound spiritual apostasy. The chapter begins by recounting Israel's rise and fall, highlighting their forgetfulness of God despite His past redemption and provision ([Hosea 13:4-6](/hosea/13-4-6 "Hosea 13:4-6 - Israel's Forgetfulness of God")). God's lament over their spiritual rebellion quickly turns to a vivid portrayal of His righteous wrath, depicting Himself as a predatory lion or bear ready to devour them ([Hosea 13:7-8](/hosea/13-7-8 "Hosea 13:7-8 - God's Wrath Against Israel")). The pronouncement of judgment in [Hosea 13:9](/hosea/13-9 "Hosea 13:9 - Israel's Self-Destruction") explicitly states that their destruction is self-inflicted because they have forsaken their true King. Verse 15, therefore, is not an isolated threat but the culmination of a long history of covenant unfaithfulness detailed throughout the book, now reaching its inevitable, destructive climax, leaving no hope for reversal within the immediate narrative.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Hosea's prophecy (8th century BCE), the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) was in a state of spiritual and political decline. Despite periods of material prosperity, they had consistently engaged in idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal and the golden calves at Bethel and Dan, and had sought alliances with foreign powers rather than trusting in the Lord. This unfaithfulness violated the covenant established at Sinai. The "east wind" (Hebrew: *qadim*) was a well-known meteorological phenomenon in the ancient Near East, a hot, dry, and often violent wind blowing from the Arabian Desert. It was notorious for its desiccating effects on vegetation, causing droughts and crop failures, and was often associated with divine judgment in biblical literature (e.g., [Exodus 10:13](/exodus/10-13 "Exodus 10:13 - East Wind Brings Locusts") or [Ezekiel 17:10](/ezekiel/17-10 "Ezekiel 17:10 - East Wind Dries the Vine")). The imagery of drying springs and plundered vessels would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society dependent on water and valuing material wealth, symbolizing total economic and social collapse, often at the hands of an invading army like the Assyrians, who were a looming threat.

* **Key Themes:** Hosea 13:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment** as a direct and active consequence of covenant unfaithfulness. The "wind of the LORD" explicitly links the impending disaster to God's sovereign will and righteous anger. Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Apostasy and Idolatry**, demonstrating that Israel's past "fruitfulness" and prosperity, when decoupled from obedience to God, are ultimately fragile and fleeting. Their spiritual barrenness leads to physical desolation. Thirdly, the verse vividly portrays **Irreversible Desolation and Plunder**, using the drying up of "spring" and "fountain" as metaphors for the complete loss of life-sustaining resources, vitality, and national identity. The "spoiling the treasure of all pleasant vessels" signifies the utter stripping away of their wealth and dignity, a common outcome of military conquest. This serves as a stark reminder that God's patience has limits, and persistent rebellion incurs severe, divinely ordained repercussions, as also seen in the broader warnings against idolatry throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/ "The Book of Deuteronomy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **east wind (Hebrew, _qâdîym'_):** From H6921, meaning "the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the East (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)." In biblical context, the *qadim* is not merely a geographical direction but a destructive, scorching wind from the desert, frequently symbolizing divine judgment, drought, or an invading force. Its nature is one of desiccation and devastation, making it a potent image for the complete ruin prophesied.
* **dried up (Hebrew, _chârab'_):** From H2717, meaning "to parch (through drought) i.e. (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill; decay, (be) desolate, destroy(-er), (be) dry (up), slay, [idiom] surely, (lay, lie, make) waste." This word powerfully conveys the absolute and irreversible nature of the desolation. It's not just a temporary drying, but a complete parching that leads to decay and utter waste, signifying the end of life and prosperity.
* **treasure (Hebrew, _ʼôwtsâr'_):** From H214, meaning "a depository; armory, cellar, garner, store(-house), treasure(-house) (-y)." This term refers to accumulated wealth, valuable possessions, or stored resources. The spoiling of "treasure" implies not just a loss of current assets but the stripping away of all accumulated security and value, leaving nothing behind.
* **pleasant vessels (Hebrew, _chemdâh kᵉlîy'_):** From H2532 meaning "delight; desire, goodly, pleasant, precious" and H3627 meaning "something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)." Together, "pleasant vessels" refers to objects that are highly valued, beautiful, or precious, perhaps even sacred items. Their plundering signifies the complete humiliation and stripping of a nation's dignity, beauty, and anything held dear.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Though he be fruitful among [his] brethren,"**: This opening clause acknowledges Ephraim's past or current state of prosperity and numerical strength. "Fruitful" (pârâʼ) implies abundance, growth, and success, perhaps even a reference to the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant. "Among his brethren" suggests a prominent position or leadership role among the tribes of Israel, perhaps even a sense of security derived from their internal relationships.
* **"an east wind shall come, the wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness,"**: This introduces the agent of judgment. The "east wind" (qâdîym) is a destructive, hot, and dry wind from the desert, a natural force associated with desolation. The critical addition "the wind of the LORD" explicitly identifies this natural phenomenon as an instrument of divine judgment, emphasizing that God Himself is initiating and directing this calamity. Its origin "from the wilderness" further highlights its harsh, life-destroying nature.
* **"and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up:"**: This clause vividly describes the immediate effect of the divine wind. "Spring" (mâqôwr) and "fountain" (maʻyân) are sources of fresh, life-giving water, essential for survival and prosperity in an arid land. Their drying up symbolizes the complete cessation of all sources of life, sustenance, and blessing for Ephraim, leading to spiritual and physical barrenness. The repetition emphasizes the totality of the desolation.
* **"he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels."**: This final clause details the ultimate consequence of the judgment. The "spoiling" (shâçâh, to plunder) indicates a violent, complete stripping away. "Treasure" (ʼôwtsâr) refers to accumulated wealth and valuable possessions, while "pleasant vessels" (chemdâh kᵉlîy) denotes cherished, beautiful, or precious items. This signifies not just economic ruin but the utter humiliation and loss of everything held dear, likely at the hands of an invading army, leaving Ephraim utterly destitute and shamed.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 13:15 is rich with **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**. The "east wind" is a powerful symbol of divine judgment and destructive force, not merely a meteorological event but an agent of God's wrath. This is reinforced by the phrase "the wind of the LORD," which uses **Theophany** or divine agency to attribute the natural phenomenon directly to God's will. The drying up of "spring" and "fountain" serves as a vivid **Metaphor** for the complete cessation of life, prosperity, and blessings, representing the spiritual and physical desolation that will befall Ephraim. Similarly, "fruitful" is a **Metaphor** for their past prosperity and abundance. The "spoiling the treasure of all pleasant vessels" is another **Metaphor** for total plunder and humiliation, signifying the loss of all that is valuable and cherished. The overall tone is one of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the absolute and devastating nature of the impending judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 13:15 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that divine blessing is contingent upon covenant faithfulness, and persistent rebellion inevitably leads to judgment. It underscores God's sovereignty over natural forces and human history, using the "wind of the LORD" to signify His direct intervention in the affairs of nations. The drying up of life-giving sources and the plundering of wealth serve as a stark reminder that true security and sustenance come only from the Lord, not from material abundance or human strength. This passage reveals God's justice, demonstrating that while He is merciful, He will not tolerate unrepentant idolatry and spiritual adultery indefinitely. It is a testament to the fact that God's character demands both love and righteousness, and His patience has a limit.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")
* [Amos 4:6-9](/amos/4-6-9 "Amos 4:6-9 - God's Punishments for Israel's Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 13:15 stands as a sobering reminder that prosperity, whether individual or national, is a gift from God, and its true value and longevity are tied to our faithfulness to the Giver. When we, like Ephraim, become complacent in our blessings, forget our dependence on God, and turn to idols—be they material wealth, self-reliance, power, or even spiritual apathy—we risk having our "springs" of spiritual vitality and divine blessing dry up. This verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our priorities, urging us to recognize that true security lies not in accumulated "treasure" or outward "fruitfulness," but in an unwavering, humble devotion to the Lord. It challenges us to examine where our deepest trust and affection lie, prompting us to repent of any idols that have subtly or overtly displaced God in our lives, ensuring that our spiritual fountains remain ever flowing through continuous communion with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing "fruitfulness" or prosperity that has led to spiritual complacency or a diminished reliance on God?**
* **What "east winds" or challenges in my life might God be using to reveal areas where my "springs" of faith or spiritual resources are drying up due to unfaithfulness?**
* **What "pleasant vessels" or cherished possessions in my life might be at risk of being "spoiled" if my ultimate trust is placed in them rather than in God?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a deeper dependence on God as the sole source of my life and blessings, preventing spiritual barrenness?**

### FAQ
**What does "Ephraim" represent in this verse?**

Answer: In the Book of Hosea, "Ephraim" is often used as a metonymy for the entire northern kingdom of Israel. Ephraim was the largest and most influential tribe in the north, and its capital, Samaria, was located within its territory. Thus, when Hosea speaks of Ephraim, he is typically addressing the collective nation of Israel, highlighting their spiritual and political leadership, and by extension, their culpability in the nation's apostasy. The prophecy against Ephraim is a judgment against the whole kingdom for its idolatry and unfaithfulness to the covenant with the Lord, as detailed throughout [the book of Hosea](/hosea/ "The Book of Hosea").

**Why is the "east wind" so significant in biblical prophecy?**

Answer: The "east wind" (Hebrew: *qadim*) holds profound significance in biblical prophecy and narrative, consistently symbolizing a destructive, scorching, and often divinely ordained force. Unlike gentle winds, the *qadim* was known in the ancient Near East for its hot, dry, and often violent nature, blowing from the desert and causing drought, blight, and desolation. In Scripture, it is frequently associated with God's judgment, as seen when it brought the locust plague upon Egypt in [Exodus 10:13](/exodus/10-13 "Exodus 10:13 - East Wind Brings Locusts") or dried up the Red Sea for Israel's passage in [Exodus 14:21](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - East Wind Divides the Red Sea"), demonstrating both destructive and redemptive power. In Hosea 13:15, its explicit identification as "the wind of the LORD" underscores that the impending desolation of Ephraim is not random misfortune but a direct, powerful act of divine judgment, an unstoppable force bringing about complete ruin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Hosea 13:15 pronounces a devastating judgment on unfaithful Israel, its Christ-centered fulfillment points to the ultimate consequence of sin and the radical provision of new life found only in Jesus. The drying up of "spring" and "fountain" vividly portrays spiritual barrenness and death, the inevitable outcome for humanity separated from God by sin. Yet, in Christ, we find the true and eternal "spring" and "fountain" that never dry up. Jesus declares Himself to be the "living water" in [John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water"), promising that those who drink of Him will never thirst again, for He will become "a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The "spoiling of treasure" speaks to the futility of earthly possessions and the loss that comes from building our lives on perishable things. Christ, however, offers an imperishable treasure in heaven ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Store Up Treasures in Heaven")), and through His sacrifice, He became the ultimate "pleasant vessel" poured out for our redemption ([Philippians 2:7-8](/phil/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Thus, while Hosea foretells a judgment of desolation for those who reject God, the New Testament reveals Jesus as the fulfillment of every spiritual need, offering abundant life and an enduring inheritance to all who turn from their sin and trust in Him, transforming barrenness into overflowing life.

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 19:12

But she was plucked up in fury, she was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up her fruit: her strong rods were broken and withered; the fire consumed them.

Ezekiel 17:10

Yea, behold, [being] planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind toucheth it? it shall wither in the furrows where it grew.

Jeremiah 4:11

At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A dry wind of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to fan, nor to cleanse,

Genesis 49:22

¶ Joseph [is] a fruitful bough, [even] a fruitful bough by a well; [whose] branches run over the wall:

Genesis 41:52

And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.

Hosea 4:19

The wind hath bound her up in her wings, and they shall be ashamed because of their sacrifices.

Isaiah 17:13

The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but [God] shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.