Hosea 13:16

KJV

Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.

KJV (with Strong's)

Samaria {H8111} shall become desolate {H816}; for she hath rebelled {H4784} against her God {H430}: they shall fall {H5307} by the sword {H2719}: their infants {H5768} shall be dashed in pieces {H7376}, and their women with child {H2030} shall be ripped up {H1234}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shomron will bear her guilt, for she has rebelled against her God. They will fall by the sword, their little ones will be dashed to pieces and their pregnant women ripped open.

Berean Standard Bible

Samaria will bear her guilt because she has rebelled against her God. They will fall by the sword; their little ones will be dashed to pieces, and their pregnant women ripped open.

American Standard Version

Samaria shall bear her guilt; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword; their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 13:16 delivers a stark and devastating prophecy against Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, foretelling its complete desolation. This severe judgment is presented as the direct consequence of Israel's persistent and defiant rebellion against their covenant God. The verse culminates in a graphic description of the brutal realities of ancient warfare, including the slaughter of infants and the dismemberment of pregnant women, underscoring the horrific extent of divine wrath poured out upon a nation that had utterly forsaken its divine allegiance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a chapter that intensifies the prophetic warnings against Ephraim (Israel), detailing their escalating idolatry and unfaithfulness. [Hosea 13](/hosea/13 "Hosea 13 - Israel's Persistent Sin and Impending Judgment") opens by recounting Israel's past glory and how they "sinned in Baal" ([Hosea 13:1](/hosea/13-1 "Hosea 13:1 - Israel's Sin and Decline")), highlighting their spiritual decline. The chapter then vividly portrays God's disappointment and impending judgment, using imagery of a lion, leopard, and bear to describe His destructive power against a rebellious people ([Hosea 13:7-8](/hosea/13-7-8 "Hosea 13:7-8 - God's Fierce Judgment")). The preceding verses also mock Israel's reliance on human kings and idols, emphasizing their ultimate inability to save themselves from divine retribution ([Hosea 13:9-11](/hosea/13-9-11 "Hosea 13:9-11 - Israel's Self-Inflicted Ruin")). [Hosea 13:14](/hosea/13-14 "Hosea 13:14 - God's Promise of Redemption and Judgment") offers a glimmer of hope for redemption from death, but [Hosea 13:15](/hosea/13-15 "Hosea 13:15 - The East Wind and Desolation") immediately pivots back to the certainty of judgment, depicting an "east wind" (Assyrian invasion) that will dry up their springs and spoil their treasures, setting the stage for the complete devastation described in [Hosea 13:16](/hosea/13-16 "Hosea 13:16 - Samaria's Desolation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hosea prophesied during the tumultuous final decades of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim), roughly from 750 to 715 BC, leading up to its fall to the Assyrian Empire in 722 BC. Samaria, as the capital city, was not only the political center but also a hub of Israel's syncretistic worship, where the worship of Yahweh was corrupted by Baal worship and the calf cult established by Jeroboam I. The phrase "rebelled against her God" reflects generations of covenant-breaking, including political instability marked by regicides, reliance on unstable foreign alliances (Egypt and Assyria), and a pervasive rejection of God's law and prophetic warnings. The Assyrians, who would ultimately conquer Samaria, were renowned for their brutal siege tactics and horrific treatment of conquered populations, including the very acts described in this verse, which served as a deterrent and a means of psychological warfare. This prophecy, therefore, aligns with the known historical realities of the period and the specific methods of Assyrian conquest.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hosea and the broader prophetic literature. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment** as an inevitable consequence of persistent sin and covenant infidelity. God, as a holy and just sovereign, cannot tolerate unrepentant rebellion, especially from His chosen people who had entered into a special covenant relationship with Him, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Rebellion**, demonstrating that Israel's deliberate turning away from God led directly to national ruin and unspeakable suffering. The graphic imagery serves to emphasize the severity and completeness of this judgment, illustrating that the spiritual "adultery" of idolatry would result in literal devastation. Finally, the prophecy of Samaria becoming "desolate" reinforces the theme of **Desolation** as a result of spiritual barrenness and the withdrawal of divine favor, signifying not just physical ruin but the utter collapse of a nation that had forfeited its divine protection.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rebelled (Hebrew, _mârâh'_):** This primitive root signifies to be bitter or unpleasant, but figuratively, it means to rebel or resist, and causatively, to provoke. In the context of Hosea 13:16, it denotes a deliberate, willful, and defiant turning away from God's authority and covenant. It is not merely an accidental transgression but a deep-seated, persistent insubordination that has provoked divine judgment.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun, often used with a singular meaning, refers to the supreme God, Yahweh. Its use here emphasizes that Israel's rebellion was not against a mere human authority or a foreign deity, but against the very God who had chosen them, delivered them, and entered into a covenant with them. It underscores the profound betrayal inherent in their actions.
* **Ripped up (Hebrew, _bâqaʻ'_):** This primitive root means to cleave, rend, break, rip, or open. It describes a violent act of tearing apart, often with destructive force. In this verse, it refers to the horrific practice of disemboweling pregnant women, a cruel act of ancient warfare intended to utterly destroy a lineage and instill terror. Its inclusion here highlights the extreme brutality of the judgment and the complete annihilation of the future generations of the rebellious nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Samaria shall become desolate":** This clause pronounces the ultimate fate of Israel's capital city. "Desolate" (from H816, _ʼâsham'_) carries the sense of guilt, punishment, and utter ruin. It signifies that Samaria, once a symbol of Israel's strength and prosperity, would be reduced to a state of waste and abandonment, a direct consequence of its spiritual corruption.
* **"for she hath rebelled against her God":** This is the explicit divine rationale for the impending desolation. The rebellion (H4784, _mârâh'_) is not a single act but a sustained pattern of defiance against Yahweh (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym'_), the covenant God of Israel. This highlights the justice of God's judgment, as it is a direct response to their persistent unfaithfulness and idolatry.
* **"they shall fall by the sword":** This specifies the primary instrument of judgment: military conquest. The "sword" (H2719, _chereb'_) represents the invading Assyrian army, known for its formidable military might and ruthless tactics. This indicates that the desolation would come through violent means, resulting in widespread death.
* **"their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up":** This chilling and graphic imagery describes the extreme brutality and totality of the conquest. "Infants" (H5768, _ʻôwlêl'_, sucklings) being "dashed in pieces" (H7376, _râṭâsh'_, to dash down) and "women with child" (H2030, _hâreh'_, pregnant) being "ripped up" (H1234, _bâqaʻ'_, to cleave/rend) were common, albeit horrific, practices in ancient warfare aimed at complete annihilation, preventing future generations, and instilling absolute terror. This signifies the utter destruction of the community, leaving no hope for a future.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 13:16 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its stark message. The most prominent is **Graphic Imagery**, which uses visceral and disturbing descriptions of violence ("dashed in pieces," "ripped up") to evoke a strong emotional response and underscore the horrific reality of the impending judgment. This imagery is not gratuitous but serves to emphasize the complete and devastating nature of the consequences of rebellion. Another device is **Metonymy**, where "Samaria" stands for the entire Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim). By naming the capital, the prophet encapsulates the fate of the whole nation, as Samaria was the heart and symbol of its political and spiritual identity. Finally, the verse functions as a direct **Prophecy**, a divine declaration of future events that will inevitably come to pass due to Israel's unfaithfulness. The declarative tone ("shall become desolate," "shall fall") leaves no room for doubt regarding the certainty of the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 13:16 stands as a stark testament to the profound seriousness of sin and the unyielding justice of God within the biblical narrative. It reveals a God who, despite His covenant love, will not tolerate persistent rebellion and idolatry from His chosen people. This passage underscores the principle that divine judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to a nation that has willfully broken its covenant obligations and provoked its Creator. While the imagery is deeply unsettling, it reflects the ancient Near Eastern context of warfare and serves as a dire warning that the consequences of spiritual adultery are devastating, leading to the withdrawal of divine protection and the unleashing of natural (and divinely ordained) consequences. It speaks to the holiness of God, who must act against sin to uphold His own character and the integrity of His covenant.

* [Deuteronomy 28:53](/deuteronomy/28-53 "Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")
* [Jeremiah 2:19](/jeremiah/2-19 "Your Wickedness Will Punish You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the imagery in Hosea 13:16 is intensely disturbing and speaks to a specific historical context, its underlying theological principles remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the gravity of sin and the unwavering justice of God. It compels us to recognize that rebellion against God, whether individual or corporate, carries severe consequences, for God is not indifferent to unrighteousness. We are called to examine our own lives for areas of "rebellion" – where we might be willfully defying God's commands, pursuing idols, or neglecting our covenant relationship with Him. The passage challenges any casual approach to sin, reminding us that God's holiness demands a response. Ultimately, while this verse highlights judgment, the broader message of Hosea, and indeed the entire Bible, is that God's ultimate desire is for repentance, restoration, and reconciliation, not destruction. It urges us to respond to God's warnings with humility and a renewed commitment to faithfulness, trusting in His mercy that is always available to the repentant heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What forms of "rebellion" might exist in my own life or in the church today, even if they don't manifest as overt idolatry?**
* **How does understanding God's justice, as depicted in this verse, deepen my appreciation for His mercy and grace?**
* **In what ways can I actively cultivate a heart of obedience and faithfulness to God, avoiding the path of spiritual complacency or defiance?**
* **How does the severity of this judgment emphasize the profound value and seriousness of our covenant relationship with God?**

### FAQ
**Why is the imagery in Hosea 13:16 so violent and graphic? Does God delight in such destruction?**

Answer: The imagery, while deeply disturbing, serves several purposes within the prophetic context. First, it reflects the brutal realities of ancient Near Eastern warfare, particularly the methods employed by the Assyrian Empire, which God used as His instrument of judgment against Israel. Prophets often used vivid, even shocking, language to convey the full horror of divine judgment and to underscore the severity of the nation's sin. Second, it emphasizes the totality and completeness of the impending destruction, leaving no doubt about the consequences of Israel's persistent rebellion. God does not delight in the death of the wicked, as [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God's Desire for Repentance") clearly states, "As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live." Rather, this imagery highlights the profound grief and righteous anger of a holy God whose covenant people have utterly forsaken Him, leading to the withdrawal of His protection and the unleashing of the natural consequences of their choices.

**How does this verse, focused on judgment, fit into the broader message of God's love and mercy in the Bible?**

Answer: While Hosea 13:16 is a stark declaration of judgment, it must be understood within the larger narrative of God's covenant relationship with Israel. The book of Hosea itself is a profound portrayal of God's enduring love (hesed) for His unfaithful people, depicted through the prophet's own marriage to an unfaithful wife. The judgment pronounced here is not an act of arbitrary cruelty but a just response to generations of persistent rebellion against a God who had repeatedly called them to repentance and offered restoration. God's holiness and justice are as fundamental to His character as His love and mercy. This verse demonstrates that God's love is not sentimental; it is a love that demands faithfulness and will ultimately bring consequences for unrepentant sin. The severity of the judgment serves to highlight the immense value of God's grace and the profound need for a deliverer, which ultimately points to Christ's redemptive work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 13:16, with its grim prophecy of judgment and desolation due to rebellion, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a direct parallel of violence, but in the profound theological truths it underscores regarding sin, justice, and the need for a divine solution. Israel's rebellion against "her God" ([Hosea 13:16](/hosea/13-16 "Hosea 13:16 - Samaria's Desolation")) is a microcosm of humanity's universal rebellion against the Creator, a rebellion that brings forth the just wrath of God ([Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")). The horrific consequences described in Hosea, while literal for Samaria, serve as a stark reminder of the spiritual death and utter desolation that sin brings to the human soul, separating us from the source of life. However, the good news of the Gospel is that God, in His boundless love and mercy, provided a way to avert this ultimate spiritual desolation. Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He "dashed in pieces" the power of sin and death, and "ripped open" the veil that separated humanity from God, providing access to reconciliation and eternal life ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ's Blood")). Thus, while Hosea 13:16 warns of a judgment for rebellion, Christ offers the ultimate escape from that judgment, fulfilling God's justice while simultaneously demonstrating His immeasurable love for a rebellious world ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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

2 Kings 15:16

Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that [were] therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not [to him], therefore he smote [it; and] all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.

2 Kings 8:12

And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child.

Isaiah 13:16

Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished.

Psalms 137:8

O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy [shall he be], that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.

Psalms 137:9

Happy [shall he be], that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.

Amos 1:13

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they have ripped up the women with child of Gilead, that they might enlarge their border:

Nahum 3:10

Yet [was] she carried away, she went into captivity: her young children also were dashed in pieces at the top of all the streets: and they cast lots for her honourable men, and all her great men were bound in chains.