Hosea 2:13

KJV

And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will visit {H6485} upon her the days {H3117} of Baalim {H1168}, wherein she burned incense {H6999} to them, and she decked {H5710} herself with her earrings {H5141} and her jewels {H2484}, and she went {H3212} after {H310} her lovers {H157}, and forgat {H7911} me, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will punish her for offering incense on the feast days of the ba'alim, when she decked herself with her earrings and jewels, pursuing her lovers and forgetting me," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

I will punish her for the days of the Baals when she burned incense to them, when she decked herself with rings and jewelry, and went after her lovers. But Me she forgot,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

And I will visit upon her the days of the Baalim, unto which she burned incense, when she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 2:13 pronounces God's impending judgment upon unfaithful Israel, specifically for their prolonged and widespread idolatry, particularly the worship of the Canaanite deity Baal. The verse vividly portrays Israel's spiritual adultery as a woman adorning herself and pursuing "lovers" (Baalim), thereby forgetting her true covenant husband, the LORD. This act of deliberate forgetfulness and devotion to false gods is presented as the primary cause for divine visitation and retribution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 2:13 is part of a larger prophetic oracle (Hosea 2:2-23) where God, through the prophet Hosea, lays out the charges against Israel for their spiritual harlotry and outlines the consequences, followed by a promise of future restoration. Chapter 2 opens with God's intention to "plead with your mother" (Israel), threatening to strip her bare as a harlot (Hosea 2:3) because she attributed her blessings to her "lovers" (Baals) rather than to the LORD (Hosea 2:5, 8). Verse 13 specifically details the extent of Israel's devotion to these false gods, serving as a direct indictment that precedes God's announced withdrawal of blessings and severe discipline, which aims to bring Israel to repentance and a renewed relationship with Him. The subsequent verses (Hosea 2:14-23) then pivot to a profound promise of God's patient wooing and ultimate restoration of Israel, transforming their valley of trouble into a "door of hope" and renewing their covenant vows.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Hosea's prophecy (8th century BCE) was marked by significant political instability and moral decay in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Religiously, it was characterized by a syncretistic blend of Yahwism (worship of the LORD) and Canaanite Baal worship. Baal was the primary Canaanite storm and fertility god, believed to control rain, crops, and livestock. Farmers, dependent on agricultural prosperity, were easily tempted to adopt Baal worship, often incorporating its rituals, including sacred prostitution, into their religious practices. Israel's "decking herself with her earrings and her jewels" and "burning incense" to Baalim reflects common pagan worship practices intended to entice the deities for fertility and prosperity. This was a direct violation of the foundational covenant command to worship the LORD alone, as established in the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me") and reiterated throughout the Law.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Hosea and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Spiritual Adultery and Idolatry**, where Israel's pursuit of Baal is likened to a wife's infidelity against her husband, the LORD. This imagery underscores the depth of their betrayal and the personal offense it caused God, who had chosen and faithfully sustained them. Another crucial theme is the **Consequences of Forgetting God**. The phrase "forgat me, saith the LORD" highlights that Israel's idolatry stemmed from a deliberate disregard for God's past acts of deliverance (e.g., the [Exodus](/exodus/1-1 "The Book of Exodus")) and ongoing provision. This "forgetting" was not mere amnesia but a conscious turning away from His covenant and commands, leading directly to the divine judgment described in the chapter. Finally, the verse implicitly sets the stage for the theme of **Divine Justice and Redemptive Discipline**, as God's "visitation" (judgment) is a necessary step to purify His people and ultimately restore them to a faithful relationship, as seen in the later promises of [Hosea 2:14-23](/hosea/2-14-23 "Hosea 2:14-23 - God's Promise of Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Baalim (Hebrew, _Baʻal_):** This term, a plural form of Baal, refers to the various local manifestations or "lords" of the Canaanite storm and fertility god. It signifies not merely a singular deity but the multitude of pagan gods and cults that Israel embraced, each promising control over specific aspects of nature (rain, crops, livestock). Israel's worship of "Baalim" represented a direct rejection of the LORD's exclusive claim on their devotion and a fundamental breach of their covenant.
* **lovers (Hebrew, _ʼâhab_):** Derived from a root meaning "to have affection for," this term, when applied to Israel's "lovers," refers to the false gods and foreign alliances (both literal and spiritual) that Israel pursued instead of the LORD. In the context of spiritual adultery, these "lovers" are rivals to God's covenant relationship with Israel, representing anything that takes the place of God in the heart and life of His people, whether it be pagan deities, material prosperity, or political expediency.
* **forgat (Hebrew, _shâkach_):** This word signifies more than simple forgetfulness; it implies a deliberate disregard, a willful neglect, or a conscious turning away from memory or attention. Israel's "forgetting" the LORD was not an accidental lapse but an active choice to ignore His commands, His covenant, His past faithfulness, and His ongoing provision. This spiritual amnesia was the root cause of their idolatry and unfaithfulness, leading to the severe consequences pronounced by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim":** This clause declares God's active intervention and judgment. The phrase "visit upon her" (from _pâqad_) implies a reckoning, a calling to account, or a punishment for past transgressions. "The days of Baalim" refers to the long period during which Israel engaged in widespread and persistent worship of Baal, indicating that God's judgment is a direct response to their prolonged idolatry and spiritual infidelity.
* **"wherein she burned incense to them":** This specifies a key act of worship directed towards the Baalim. Burning incense was a common ritual in ancient Near Eastern religions, signifying devotion, reverence, and an offering to the deity. Israel's participation in this pagan practice demonstrated their active allegiance to false gods, directly violating the LORD's command against idolatry.
* **"and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels":** This vivid imagery portrays Israel as an unfaithful wife adorning herself to meet her illicit lovers. The "earrings and jewels" represent the adornments used to attract and entice, symbolizing Israel's deliberate efforts to engage in idolatry and make herself appealing to the pagan deities, believing they would grant her prosperity.
* **"and she went after her lovers":** This phrase emphasizes Israel's active pursuit of idolatry. "Going after" (from _yâlak_ and _ʼachar_) signifies a deliberate and persistent chase, a devotion of time, energy, and resources to these false gods. It underscores the intentionality of Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness, presenting it as a passionate pursuit rather than a passive error.
* **"and forgat me, saith the LORD":** This is the ultimate indictment and the root cause of Israel's transgression. Their idolatry and pursuit of "lovers" stemmed from a profound "forgetting" of the LORD – not mere amnesia, but a willful disregard for His covenant, His commands, His past acts of deliverance, and His continuous provision. This "forgetting" represents a rejection of their identity as God's chosen people and a betrayal of their covenant relationship, prompting the divine judgment. The concluding "saith the LORD" (from _nᵉʼum_) underscores the divine authority and certainty of this pronouncement.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 2:13 is rich in **Imagery** and **Symbolism**, primarily through the extended **Metaphor** of Israel as an unfaithful wife and God as her betrayed husband. The actions of "decking herself with her earrings and her jewels" and "going after her lovers" are vivid images that powerfully convey Israel's spiritual adultery. The "earrings and jewels" symbolize the allure and self-adornment used to attract, highlighting Israel's deliberate and eager participation in idolatrous practices. The "lovers" are symbolic of the Baalim and other false gods, as well as the foreign alliances Israel pursued, which drew them away from the LORD. The entire verse is an example of **Personification**, as the nation of Israel is portrayed as a woman, making the abstract concept of national unfaithfulness tangible and emotionally impactful. The phrase "forgat me" uses **Synecdoche**, where "me" (the LORD) represents the entire covenant relationship, His commands, and His faithfulness, implying that forgetting Him means forgetting all He represents and has done.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 2:13 profoundly illustrates the biblical concept of spiritual idolatry as a betrayal of the covenant relationship with God. Just as a marriage covenant demands exclusive fidelity, God's covenant with Israel required their singular devotion. Their pursuit of Baal, believing these false gods provided prosperity, was a direct affront to the LORD's sovereignty and a rejection of His identity as their sole provider and protector. This "forgetting" of God is not merely a lapse in memory but a deliberate turning away from His truth and a reorientation of allegiance, which inevitably leads to divine judgment. Yet, even in judgment, God's ultimate purpose is redemptive, aiming to bring His people back to Himself, as seen in the broader prophetic message of Hosea.

* [Jeremiah 2:32](/jeremiah/2-32 "Jeremiah 2:32 - Israel Forgets God")
* [Deuteronomy 31:16](/deuteronomy/31-16 "Deuteronomy 31:16 - Israel's Future Unfaithfulness Predicted")
* [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15-16 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Warning Against Idolatry and Intermarriage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 2:13 serves as a timeless mirror for self-examination, challenging us to consider what "lovers" we might be pursuing in our own lives that cause us to "forget" the LORD. While we may not burn incense to physical idols, modern idolatry often manifests as an excessive devotion to career success, material wealth, social status, personal comfort, entertainment, or even self-reliance. These pursuits, when they take precedence over God, become rivals for our affection, time, and trust, leading us to neglect our spiritual relationship with Him. This verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our priorities, urging us to remember God's faithfulness, His commands, and His exclusive claim on our hearts. It reminds us that true prosperity and fulfillment are found only in Him, and that spiritual unfaithfulness, even in subtle forms, carries serious consequences. Our deepest allegiance must be to the LORD, recognizing Him as the sole source of all good things and the only one worthy of our complete devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be "decking myself with earrings and jewels" for modern "lovers" instead of focusing my devotion on God?**
* **What are the subtle forms of "forgetting God" that might be present in my daily life or priorities?**
* **How does my pursuit of worldly success or comfort compare to my pursuit of God and His kingdom?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to intentionally "remember" God and re-center my life on Him?**

### FAQ
**What does "the days of Baalim" mean, and why is it significant?**

Answer: "The days of Baalim" refers to the prolonged period during which the Israelites, particularly in the Northern Kingdom, engaged in widespread worship of Baal and other Canaanite deities. "Baalim" is the plural form of Baal, signifying not just one god but the various local manifestations and cults of this fertility deity. This phrase is significant because it highlights the pervasive and persistent nature of Israel's idolatry, indicating that their unfaithfulness was not an isolated incident but a deep-seated pattern of behavior that spanned generations. It underscores the severity of their spiritual rebellion against the LORD, who had explicitly commanded them to worship Him alone (as seen in [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema")). God's "visitation" upon these days means He is holding them accountable for this long history of covenant breaking.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 2:13, with its stark portrayal of Israel's spiritual adultery and their "forgetting" of the LORD, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. Israel's unfaithfulness to the Old Covenant, symbolized by their pursuit of "lovers" and their adornment for false gods, foreshadows humanity's universal tendency to turn away from God and seek satisfaction in created things rather than the Creator. Christ, however, stands as the perfectly faithful Son, the true Israelite, who never "forgat" the Father but perfectly obeyed Him, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, Jesus is presented as the divine Bridegroom who comes not to condemn the unfaithful bride (humanity), but to redeem her. Through His sacrificial love, He takes upon Himself the judgment due for our spiritual adultery and idolatry, offering forgiveness and a new covenant relationship. In Christ, we are cleansed of our past "days of Baalim" and adorned with His righteousness, becoming a pure and spotless bride for Him ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church as His Bride")). The "forgetting" of God is overcome by the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to truly know and remember God, writing His laws on their hearts and empowering them to walk in faithfulness ([Jeremiah 31:33-34](/jeremiah/31-33-34 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - The New Covenant")). Thus, what Israel failed to do, Christ perfectly accomplished, offering reconciliation and a renewed, eternal covenant of love.

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

Judges 3:7

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves.

Hosea 13:6

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

Hosea 13:1

¶ When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.

Hosea 11:2

[As] they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.

Jeremiah 7:9

Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;

Hosea 8:14

For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof.

Hosea 9:7

¶ The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel shall know [it]: the prophet [is] a fool, the spiritual man [is] mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.