Hosea 13:6

KJV

According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me.

KJV (with Strong's)

According to their pasture {H4830}, so were they filled {H7646}; they were filled {H7646}, and their heart {H3820} was exalted {H7311}; therefore have they forgotten {H7911} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

When they were fed, they were satisfied; when satisfied, they became proud. Therefore they forgot me.

Berean Standard Bible

When they had pasture, they became satisfied; when they were satisfied, their hearts became proud, and as a result they forgot Me.

American Standard Version

According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted: therefore have they forgotten me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 13:6 delivers a somber indictment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel, highlighting the perilous spiritual trajectory from divine provision to self-exaltation and ultimately, forgetfulness of God. The verse reveals a tragic irony: the very blessings intended to foster gratitude and dependence instead became a catalyst for pride and apostasy, leading Israel to abandon their covenant relationship with their Creator. This profound spiritual amnesia is presented as the root cause of their impending judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 13 stands as a climactic chapter in the prophet's message of judgment against Ephraim (Israel), following a series of pronouncements detailing their persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. The preceding chapters have meticulously laid out Israel's spiritual harlotry, their reliance on foreign alliances rather than God, and their establishment of idolatrous worship centers like Bethel and Gilgal. Chapter 13 intensifies the rhetoric, portraying God as a lion and a leopard, ready to execute judgment due to Israel's escalating sin. Verse 6 specifically pinpoints the psychological and spiritual mechanism behind their downfall: their prosperity led to pride, which in turn led to forgetting the Lord. This verse serves as a critical explanation for the severe judgment described both before and after it, such as the lament over their destruction in [Hosea 13:7-8](/hosea/13-7-8 "Hosea 13:7-8 - God's Judgment as a Predator").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Hosea is set against the tumultuous backdrop of the 8th century BCE, a period of relative economic prosperity for the Northern Kingdom of Israel, particularly during the reign of Jeroboam II (c. 793-753 BCE). This prosperity, however, was often accompanied by social injustice, moral decay, and widespread syncretism, where the worship of Yahweh was mingled with Baal worship. Geographically, Israel's strategic location made them a target for regional powers like Assyria, and their attempts to secure alliances with Egypt or Assyria often demonstrated a profound lack of trust in God. The "pasture" mentioned in the verse would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society, symbolizing the fertile lands and abundant harvests that God had provided, contrasting sharply with the barrenness and destruction promised as judgment for their unfaithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes prevalent throughout the book of Hosea and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Peril of Prosperity**, demonstrating how material abundance, when unchecked by humility and gratitude, can become a snare leading to spiritual decline. Israel's "fullness" did not lead to greater devotion but to an "exalted heart," a theme echoed in [Deuteronomy 8:11-14](/deuteronomy/8-11-14 "Deuteronomy 8:11-14 - Moses' Warning Against Forgetting God in Prosperity"). Secondly, the verse highlights the destructive nature of **Pride and Self-Sufficiency**, showing how an inflated sense of one's own achievements leads directly to "forgetting" God, the true source of all blessings. This forgetfulness is not mere amnesia but a deliberate turning away from covenant obligations. Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **Covenant Unfaithfulness**, as Israel's forgetting of God constitutes a profound betrayal of the unique relationship established at Sinai. Finally, while not explicitly stated in this verse, it implicitly points to the theme of **Divine Judgment**, as such spiritual apostasy inevitably provokes God's righteous wrath, leading to the destruction and exile foretold throughout [Hosea](/hosea/1 "The Book of Hosea").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pasture (Hebrew, _mirʻîyth'_):** From the root meaning "to feed," this word signifies grazing land or, concretely, a flock. In Hosea 13:6, it metaphorically represents the abundant provision and sustenance God had graciously given to Israel, encompassing their material prosperity, fertile land, and overall well-being. It speaks to God's role as their shepherd and provider.
* **Filled (Hebrew, _sâbaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to sate" or "fill to satisfaction." This word emphasizes the completeness and abundance of God's provision. Israel was not merely sustained but was "filled" to the point of having more than enough, indicating a state of satiety and material comfort.
* **Exalted (Hebrew, _rûwm'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be high," "to rise," or "to raise." While it can have positive connotations (e.g., God is exalted), in this context, when applied to the "heart," it carries the negative sense of haughtiness, arrogance, or pride. It describes a heart that has become puffed up, lifted up in self-importance, rather than in humble adoration of God.
* **Forgotten (Hebrew, _shâkach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to mislay" or "to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention." This is not merely a lapse of memory but a profound, active neglect or disregard. Israel's "forgetting" God implies a deliberate turning away from His commands, His covenant, and His very presence, despite His continuous provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"According to their pasture, so were they filled":** This clause establishes the direct correlation between God's generous provision (pasture) and Israel's resulting prosperity and abundance (filled). It highlights the initial blessing and the extent of God's faithfulness in providing for His people's needs.
* **"they were filled, and their heart was exalted":** This segment reveals the tragic consequence of abundance without gratitude. The "fullness" that should have led to thanksgiving instead led to an inflated sense of self-importance and pride. Their physical satiety paradoxically led to spiritual arrogance, a heart lifted up against God rather than towards Him.
* **"therefore have they forgotten me":** This final clause presents the ultimate and most grievous outcome of their pride. The "exalted heart" directly resulted in a profound spiritual amnesia, a deliberate neglect and abandonment of their covenant relationship with God, their Provider and Deliverer. This forgetfulness is a betrayal of the deepest kind, severing the bond between the people and their God.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 13:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Metonymy** is evident in "pasture" representing the blessings and provisions God bestowed upon Israel, as the grazing land stands for the abundance it yields. The phrase "their heart was exalted" uses **Synecdoche**, where "heart" stands for the entire inner being—their will, intellect, and affections—which became prideful. The progression from "pasture" to "filled" to "exalted heart" and finally to "forgotten me" illustrates a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship, tracing the destructive spiritual trajectory. The entire verse functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, encapsulating a timeless spiritual truth about the dangers of prosperity and pride, serving as a warning against the human tendency to forget God when blessed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 13:6 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of human sin and God's consistent character. It underscores the biblical truth that prosperity, while a blessing from God, carries inherent spiritual dangers if not stewarded with humility and remembrance of the Giver. The "exalted heart" leading to forgetfulness is a recurring pattern in Israel's history, demonstrating humanity's propensity to take credit for divine blessings and to elevate self above Creator. This forgetfulness is not benign; it is a profound act of covenant unfaithfulness, demonstrating a rejection of God's sovereignty and love. The verse thus highlights the critical importance of gratitude and humility as safeguards against spiritual apostasy, reminding us that true security lies in an unwavering relationship with God, not in material abundance.

* [Deuteronomy 8:11-14](/deuteronomy/8-11-14 "Deuteronomy 8:11-14 - Moses' Warning Against Forgetting God in Prosperity")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Jeremiah 2:31-32](/jeremiah/2-31-32 "Jeremiah 2:31-32 - Israel Forgets God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 13:6 offers a timeless and sobering mirror for contemporary believers and societies. It challenges us to critically examine our relationship with material blessings, success, and comfort. Do our "pastures" – our jobs, homes, financial security, health, or even spiritual gifts – lead us into deeper gratitude and dependence on God, or do they subtly foster a spirit of self-sufficiency, pride, and a gradual drifting away from Him? The tragic cycle described here warns against the insidious nature of prosperity, which can blind us to our true source of life and provision. To guard against this, we must cultivate a disciplined practice of remembrance, acknowledging daily that "every good and perfect gift is from above" ([James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good Gift is From God")). This calls for intentional humility, a constant posture of thanksgiving, and a commitment to prioritize our relationship with God above all earthly comforts, ensuring that our hearts remain exalted in worship of Him, not in ourselves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might prosperity or comfort be subtly leading to an "exalted heart" or forgetfulness of God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of humility and gratitude, especially when I feel "filled" or successful?**
* **How can I ensure that my blessings draw me closer to God, rather than away from Him?**
* **What does "forgetting God" truly mean in a practical sense for my daily walk with Him?**

### FAQ
**What does "pasture" refer to in Hosea 13:6?**

Answer: In Hosea 13:6, "pasture" (Hebrew: *mirʻîyth*) metaphorically refers to the abundant provision, sustenance, and prosperity that God had graciously bestowed upon the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Just as a shepherd provides rich grazing lands for his flock, God had provided fertile land, bountiful harvests, and overall material well-being for His people. It signifies the blessings and resources that were meant to sustain them and foster their dependence and gratitude towards their divine Provider.

**How does "their heart was exalted" relate to "they have forgotten me"?**

Answer: The phrase "their heart was exalted" (Hebrew: *rûwm*) describes a state of pride, arrogance, and self-importance that arose from Israel's prosperity. Instead of acknowledging God as the source of their blessings, they became self-sufficient and boastful. This elevated sense of self directly led to "forgetting me" (Hebrew: *shâkach*), which is not mere forgetfulness but an active disregard, neglect, and abandonment of their covenant relationship with God. Their pride caused them to turn away from their Creator, neglecting His commands and His presence, effectively severing the spiritual bond. This tragic progression highlights how pride can corrupt gratitude and lead to spiritual apostasy, as also warned in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 13:6, while a stark warning to unfaithful Israel, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between Israel's failure and Christ's perfect obedience and humility. Israel, "filled" by God's provision, allowed their hearts to be "exalted" and "forgotten" their Lord. In contrast, Jesus, though "in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped" ([Philippians 2:6](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6 - Christ's Humility")), but emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant. He was "filled" not with earthly pasture, but with the Spirit, and His heart was never exalted in pride, but always humble and obedient to the Father, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Where Israel forgot God in their abundance, Christ perfectly remembered and glorified the Father in every circumstance, even in suffering and deprivation, demonstrating true dependence and faithfulness. He is the faithful Israel, the one who perfectly embodies the humble gratitude and unwavering devotion that Israel failed to maintain, ultimately becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, including the sin of pride and forgetfulness ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His sacrifice, believers are now enabled by the Holy Spirit to overcome the very pride and forgetfulness that plagued Israel, living lives of grateful remembrance and humble dependence on God, finding their true "pasture" in Him ([Psalm 23:1-2](/psalm/23-1-2 "Psalm 23:1-2 - The Lord is My Shepherd")).

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

Deuteronomy 32:13

He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;

Deuteronomy 32:15

¶ But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered [with fatness]; then he forsook God [which] made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

Psalms 10:4

The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek [after God]: God [is] not in all his thoughts.

Nehemiah 9:35

For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.

Deuteronomy 8:12

Lest [when] thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt [therein];

Deuteronomy 8:14

Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;

Deuteronomy 32:18

Of the Rock [that] begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.