Hosea 5:1

KJV

¶ Hear ye this, O priests; and hearken, ye house of Israel; and give ye ear, O house of the king; for judgment [is] toward you, because ye have been a snare on Mizpah, and a net spread upon Tabor.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085} ye this, O priests {H3548}; and hearken {H7181}, ye house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}; and give ye ear {H238}, O house {H1004} of the king {H4428}; for judgment {H4941} is toward you, because ye have been a snare {H6341} on Mizpah {H4709}, and a net {H7568} spread {H6566} upon Tabor {H8396}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Hear this, cohanim! Pay attention, house of Isra'el! Listen, house of the king! For judgment is coming to you. You have become a snare for Mitzpah and a net spread on Tavor.

Berean Standard Bible

“Hear this, O priests! Take heed, O house of Israel! Give ear, O royal house! For this judgment is against you because you have been a snare at Mizpah, a net spread out on Tabor.

American Standard Version

Hear this, O ye priests, and hearken, O house of Israel, and give ear, O house of the king; for unto you pertaineth the judgment; for ye have been a snare at Mizpah, and a net spread upon Tabor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 5:1 delivers a stark divine indictment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel, specifically addressing its spiritual, civil, and royal leadership, alongside the entire populace. The prophet declares that judgment is imminent because the nation's leaders and people have become a spiritual "snare" and "net" at significant historical and religious sites like Mizpah and Tabor, leading the people into idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. This verse serves as a solemn warning of the impending consequences for widespread apostasy and corrupt leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 5:1 initiates a new section of prophetic oracle (chapters 5-7) that intensifies the declaration of divine judgment against Israel. Following the detailed accusations of spiritual prostitution and covenant violation in chapter 4, this verse directly names the recipients of God's wrath: the priests, the house of Israel, and the house of the king. It sets the stage for further elaboration on their specific transgressions and the inevitable consequences, contrasting their unfaithfulness with God's enduring love, a theme explored throughout the book of Hosea, particularly in passages like [Hosea 11:1-11](/hosea/11-1-11 "Hosea 11:1-11 - God's Enduring Love for Israel"). The imagery of "snare" and "net" foreshadows the entrapment and exile that will befall the nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hosea ministered in the Northern Kingdom (Israel/Ephraim) during the turbulent reigns of Jeroboam II and his successors, leading up to the Assyrian conquest in 722 BC. This period was marked by political instability, moral decay, and rampant syncretism, where the worship of Yahweh was blended with Canaanite Baal worship. The "priests" mentioned were those serving at the cultic centers (like Bethel and Dan), often complicit in or actively promoting idolatry. The "house of the king" refers to the succession of unstable and often wicked kings who failed to lead the nation in righteousness. "Mizpah" (H4709) was a site of significant historical and religious importance, often associated with covenant gatherings and national assembly (e.g., [Judges 20:1](/judges/20-1 "Judges 20:1 - Israel's Assembly at Mizpah") and [1 Samuel 7:5-6](/1_samuel/7-5-6 "1 Samuel 7:5-6 - Samuel's Call to Repentance at Mizpah")). "Tabor" (H8396) was a prominent mountain, likely a high place used for illicit worship and pagan rituals, making these locations symbolic of Israel's deep-seated apostasy and the very places where they should have sought God, they instead set traps for others.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hosea. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing God's righteous response to Israel's persistent spiritual infidelity. The declaration "judgment is toward you" is a direct pronouncement of impending divine retribution, a common prophetic warning found in the Old Testament, as seen in [Amos 3:2](/amos/3-2 "Amos 3:2 - God's Judgment on Israel"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Corruption of Leadership**, implicating priests, kings, and the general populace. Those in positions of spiritual and political authority, who were meant to guide the nation in covenant faithfulness, instead became instruments of its downfall, acting as a "snare" and a "net." This failure of leadership is a recurring motif in prophetic literature, with similar condemnations found in [Jeremiah 2:8](/jeremiah/2-8 "Jeremiah 2:8 - Priests and Rulers Forsake God"). Lastly, the imagery of "snare" and "net" vividly portrays **Spiritual Entrapment**. The actions of Israel's leaders and people led others into dangerous spiritual practices and sin, trapping them in destructive patterns of idolatry and immorality, rather than leading them to the freedom found in obedience to God's law, as warned against in [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Snare of Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This word (H1004) is used three times in the verse ("house of Israel," "house of the king"). While literally meaning a physical dwelling, its application here is primarily metaphorical, referring to a "family" or "household" in the broadest sense. "House of Israel" denotes the entire nation, the collective descendants of Jacob. "House of the king" refers to the royal dynasty, the reigning monarchy and its administration. The repetition emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the indictment, encompassing all societal strata from the common people to the highest political authority.
* **Judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** The term (H4941) is rich in meaning, signifying not merely a legal verdict but also justice, a formal decree, a penalty, or even a customary law. Here, "judgment is toward you" indicates a divine pronouncement of a negative verdict or a sentence against Israel. It implies God's just and righteous assessment of their actions, leading to inevitable consequences. It's not arbitrary punishment but a just response to their unfaithfulness and violation of the covenant.
* **Snare (Hebrew, _pach'_):** This word (H6341) refers to a trap, often a spring-net used for catching birds or small animals. It suggests a hidden, deceptive device designed to ensnare unsuspecting prey. In this context, it metaphorically describes the deceptive and destructive influence of Israel's leaders and people, whose idolatrous practices and immoral ways acted as a spiritual trap, leading others away from God and into sin.
* **Net (Hebrew, _resheth'_):** This term (H7568) denotes a fishing net or fowler's net, typically spread out to catch prey. Used in conjunction with "snare," it reinforces the imagery of deliberate entrapment. The verb "spread" (H6566, _pâras'_) further emphasizes the active and widespread nature of this spiritual deception. The leaders and people were not just passively sinning but actively creating an environment that led others into spiritual danger.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear ye this, O priests; and hearken, ye house of Israel; and give ye ear, O house of the king":** This opening tripartite imperative serves as a solemn summons, demanding attention from all segments of Israelite society. The repetition of commands to "hear" and "hearken" underscores the urgency and gravity of the message. The specific addressing of the "priests" (religious leaders), the "house of Israel" (the general populace of the Northern Kingdom), and the "house of the king" (the political rulers and royal family) highlights the pervasive nature of the nation's spiritual and moral corruption, indicating that no segment of society is exempt from the divine indictment.
* **"for judgment [is] toward you":** This clause immediately states the reason for the urgent summons: God's judgment is imminent and directed at them. The Hebrew word `mishpat` (judgment) here signifies a divine verdict or sentence, indicating that God, as the ultimate judge, has found them guilty of covenant unfaithfulness and is preparing to act. This is not a mere warning but a declaration of a settled divine resolve.
* **"because ye have been a snare on Mizpah, and a net spread upon Tabor":** This final clause provides the specific grounds for the impending judgment, using powerful metaphorical language. The leaders and people have acted as "snares" (`pach`) and "nets" (`resheth`), trapping others in sin and idolatry. The mention of "Mizpah" and "Tabor" is highly significant. These were not random locations but historically and geographically prominent sites, likely used for illicit cultic practices or where the people had engaged in covenant violations. By setting spiritual traps at such places, they defiled sacred memory and led the people further into apostasy, making their sin particularly egregious.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 5:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message of judgment. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the use of "snare" and "net." These terms are not literal hunting devices but vivid comparisons for the deceptive and destructive influence of Israel's leaders and people, who, instead of guiding the nation in righteousness, led them into spiritual danger and idolatry. This imagery creates a strong visual of entrapment and inevitable doom. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism** through the repeated commands to "hear," "hearken," and "give ear," emphasizing the universality of the call to attention across all societal groups. Furthermore, the addressing of the "house of Israel" and "house of the king" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where "house" represents the entire institution or people group. The specific naming of "Mizpah" and "Tabor" serves as powerful **Symbolism**, transforming these geographical locations into representations of Israel's pervasive idolatry and covenant breaking, sites where the very means of spiritual entrapment were laid. The cumulative effect of these devices is a stark, direct, and unforgettable pronouncement of divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 5:1 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that divine judgment is a righteous response to persistent unfaithfulness, particularly when it originates from those entrusted with leadership. The indictment against priests, kings, and the people underscores the holistic nature of covenant responsibility and the severe consequences of its breach. God's justice demands accountability, and when those meant to uphold His law become instruments of corruption, they not only invite judgment upon themselves but also lead an entire nation astray. This passage highlights the sanctity of the covenant relationship and God's unwavering commitment to His holiness, which necessitates addressing sin and apostasy. It serves as a timeless reminder that spiritual authority carries immense responsibility, and its misuse is a grave offense against God and His people.

* [Jeremiah 23:1-2](/jeremiah/23-1-2 "Jeremiah 23:1-2 - Woe to Evil Shepherds")
* [Ezekiel 34:1-10](/ezekiel/34-1-10 "Ezekiel 34:1-10 - God's Indictment of Israel's Shepherds")
* [1 Peter 4:17](/1_peter/4-17 "1 Peter 4:17 - Judgment Begins with the House of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 5:1 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, particularly concerning leadership, accountability, and the pervasive nature of sin. It challenges us to consider the immense responsibility placed upon those in positions of spiritual, political, or social influence. When leaders, whether in the church, government, or community, deviate from God's truth and become "snares" or "nets" through their actions, doctrines, or policies, they lead others into spiritual danger and moral compromise. This verse calls for a rigorous self-examination, urging us to assess whether our own lives and spheres of influence are guiding others towards God or inadvertently creating stumbling blocks. It reminds us that spiritual apostasy, especially when it becomes systemic, invites divine judgment. Therefore, we are called to live with integrity, uphold biblical truth, and actively work against anything that would ensnare ourselves or others, striving to be agents of truth and righteousness in a world often caught in spiritual traps.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might those in positions of leadership today (spiritual, political, or otherwise) inadvertently become "snares" or "nets" for others?**
* **How can individual believers ensure they are not contributing to a culture that leads others away from God, but rather guiding them toward Him?**
* **What are the "Mizpahs" and "Tabors" in our contemporary society—places or institutions that, despite their potential for good, have become sites of spiritual compromise or idolatry?**
* **How does understanding God's judgment in Hosea 5:1 deepen our appreciation for His holiness and our need for His grace?**

### FAQ

**Why does God address the priests, the house of Israel, and the house of the king separately?**

Answer: God addresses these three groups separately to emphasize the comprehensive nature of Israel's spiritual and moral corruption, indicating that no segment of society was exempt from guilt. The "priests" (H3548) were responsible for upholding God's law and mediating His presence, but they had become complicit in idolatry and led the people astray. The "house of the king" (H4428) represents the political leadership, which was characterized by instability, violence, and a failure to govern righteously according to God's covenant. The "house of Israel" (H3478) signifies the entire populace, who had followed their leaders into widespread apostasy. By naming each group, God underscores that the nation's failure was systemic, involving every level of authority and the people themselves, collectively contributing to the spiritual decay that warranted divine judgment, as seen in other prophetic condemnations of corrupt leadership in [Isaiah 3:12](/isaiah/3-12 "Isaiah 3:12 - Leaders Mislead the People").

**What is the significance of Mizpah and Tabor in this verse?**

Answer: Mizpah (H4709) and Tabor (H8396) are specific geographical locations that hold symbolic weight. Mizpah was historically a significant place for national gatherings, covenants, and seeking God's will (e.g., [Judges 20:1](/judges/20-1 "Judges 20:1 - Israel's Assembly at Mizpah")). By Hosea's time, it appears to have become a site where spiritual "snares" were laid, suggesting a perversion of its former sacred purpose. Tabor, a prominent mountain in the Jezreel Valley, was likely a "high place" (a common site for pagan worship) where idolatrous altars were erected. The mention of these specific locations highlights the pervasive nature of Israel's apostasy, indicating that even places with historical or natural prominence were defiled by their unfaithfulness. They became symbols of the nation's deliberate turning away from God and setting traps for others to fall into sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 5:1, with its pronouncement of judgment on corrupt leaders and a wayward people, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "priests" and "house of the king" in Israel failed to lead God's people in righteousness, becoming "snares" that led to spiritual death. In stark contrast, Jesus embodies the perfect Priest and King. As our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), He offered Himself as the spotless sacrifice, not for His own sins, but for the sins of the world, thereby removing the ultimate "snare" of sin and death (compare [Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). As the true King, He establishes a kingdom of righteousness and peace, unlike the unstable and corrupt earthly kings of Israel (as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace")). Furthermore, while Israel's leaders set "nets" of idolatry and unfaithfulness, Jesus came to gather His people, drawing them into a relationship with God, calling His disciples to be "fishers of men" who draw people out of the snares of the world into His saving grace (see [Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - Jesus Calls His First Disciples")). Thus, Hosea's lament over a trapped and judged people ultimately points to Christ, who delivers us from judgment and leads us into true freedom and 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

Hosea 9:8

The watchman of Ephraim [was] with my God: [but] the prophet [is] a snare of a fowler in all his ways, [and] hatred in the house of his God.

Hosea 6:9

And as troops of robbers wait for a man, [so] the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness.

Judges 4:6

And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, [saying], Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?

Micah 3:9

Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity.

Micah 7:2

The good [man] is perished out of the earth: and [there is] none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.

Hosea 4:1

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because [there is] no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

Amos 7:9

And the high places of Isaac shall be desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste; and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.