Hosea 2:4

And I will not have mercy upon her children; for they [be] the children of whoredoms.

And I will not have mercy {H7355} upon her children {H1121}; for they be the children {H1121} of whoredoms {H2183}.

I will have no pity on her children, for they are children of whoring

I will have no compassion on her children, because they are the children of adultery.

Yea, upon her children will I have no mercy; for they are children of whoredom;

Hosea 2:4 (KJV): And I will not have mercy upon her children; for they [be] the children of whoredoms.

This verse is part of God's indictment against Israel (represented by Gomer, Hosea's unfaithful wife) for her spiritual adultery and idolatry. It highlights the severe consequences of the nation's sin, extending even to the next generation.

Context

Hosea chapter 2 continues the powerful allegory introduced in chapter 1, where God instructs the prophet Hosea to marry Gomer, a woman prone to infidelity, symbolizing God's relationship with unfaithful Israel. Verses 2 and 3 detail God's intention to strip Gomer (Israel) bare and bring judgment upon her because she has chased after lovers (idols and foreign alliances). Verse 4 specifically addresses the fate of her children, representing the people born into or participating in this state of spiritual unfaithfulness.

Key Themes

  • Judgment on Unfaithfulness: The verse underscores the seriousness of Israel's breach of covenant with God through idolatry and seeking help from other nations.
  • Consequences for the Next Generation: It reveals that the judgment for the nation's sin would affect their descendants, born into a society steeped in "whoredom" (spiritual infidelity).
  • Withholding of Mercy (Temporary): God declares He will not have mercy on these children of "whoredoms," indicating a period of severe divine discipline. This contrasts sharply with the theme of God's eventual restorative mercy found later in Hosea.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "children of whoredoms" (Hebrew: yaldey zĕnûnîm) is a powerful metaphor. It doesn't necessarily mean illegitimate physical birth but refers to children born into or participating in the spiritual "whoredom" of the nation – their widespread idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. They inherit and continue the sinful practices of their parents, hence bearing the consequences.

Related Scriptures

This declaration of judgment is a stark reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, established at Sinai. Breaking that covenant had severe penalties, as outlined in passages like Deuteronomy 28. While this specific judgment was directed at Israel, the principle that sin has consequences, sometimes affecting future generations or communities, is seen throughout scripture, though God also emphasizes individual responsibility (see Ezekiel 18:20). The ultimate hope for Israel, despite this judgment, is God's enduring love and promise of future restoration and mercy, which becomes evident later in Hosea (e.g., Hosea 14:4).

Reflection

Hosea 2:4 serves as a somber warning about the pervasive nature and consequences of spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry. It highlights how deeply sin can become embedded in a society, impacting even those who grow up within it. For believers today, it's a call to examine our own hearts and communities, ensuring our loyalty is solely to God and striving to live faithfully so that we may experience His mercy rather than judgment.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 13:14

    And I will dash them one against another, even the fathers and the sons together, saith the LORD: I will not pity, nor spare, nor have mercy, but destroy them.

  • Ezekiel 8:18

    Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, [yet] will I not hear them.

  • Hosea 1:2

    ¶ The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, [departing] from the LORD.

  • Hosea 1:6

    And she conceived again, and bare a daughter. And [God] said unto him, Call her name Loruhamah: for I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away.

  • Romans 11:22

    Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in [his] goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

  • Romans 9:18

    Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will [have mercy], and whom he will he hardeneth.

  • 2 Kings 9:22

    And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, [Is it] peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts [are so] many?

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