Hosea 5:2

KJV

And the revolters are profound to make slaughter, though I [have been] a rebuker of them all.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the revolters {H7846} are profound {H6009} to make slaughter {H7819}, though I have been a rebuker {H4148} of them all.

Complete Jewish Bible

The rebels have deepened their slaughter, and I am rejected by all of them.

Berean Standard Bible

The rebels are deep in slaughter; but I will chastise them all.

American Standard Version

And the revolters are gone deep in making slaughter; but I am a rebuker of them all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 5:2 starkly portrays the deep-seated spiritual rebellion of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, particularly its leaders, who had descended into profound moral corruption and destructive practices. Despite the Lord's consistent and patient attempts to call them back through His prophetic warnings and discipline, the people, characterized as "revolters," had become so entrenched in their sin that their actions were likened to a deliberate "slaughter," signifying both their idolatrous sacrifices and the self-destructive nature of their disobedience. This verse underscores the tragic interplay between divine faithfulness and human stubbornness, foreshadowing the inevitable consequences of unrepentant sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 5:2 is situated within a severe prophetic indictment against Israel's spiritual and political leadership. The preceding verse, [Hosea 5:1](/hosea/5-1 "Hosea 5:1 - Indictment of Priests, Israel, and the King"), directly addresses the priests, the house of Israel, and the house of the king, holding them accountable for leading the nation into idolatry and moral depravity. The mention of "snares at Mizpah" and "nets spread upon Tabor" in [Hosea 5:1](/hosea/5-1 "Hosea 5:1 - Snares at Mizpah and Tabor") likely refers to specific places of illicit worship or political conspiracies that ensnared the people. Verse 2 intensifies this accusation, describing the depth of their sin as a "profound slaughter," indicating that their rebellion was not superficial but deeply ingrained. This sets the stage for the subsequent verses [Hosea 5:3-7](/hosea/5-3-7 "Hosea 5:3-7 - Israel's Unfaithfulness and Consequences"), which further detail Israel's unfaithfulness, God's knowledge of their sin, and the impending judgment that will inevitably follow their persistent refusal to return to Him. The entire chapter functions as a legal indictment, meticulously outlining the charges against a covenant-breaking people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hosea prophesied during the tumultuous 8th century BC, a period of significant political instability and moral decline for the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim). Following the reign of Jeroboam II, the kingdom experienced a rapid succession of kings, often through assassination, indicating severe internal strife and a breakdown of stable governance. This era was also marked by increasing Assyrian influence, with Israel becoming a vassal state and often vacillating between alliances with Egypt and Assyria, a practice condemned by God as a reliance on human power rather than divine. Culturally, the syncretism of Yahweh worship with Canaanite Baal worship was rampant, manifesting in idolatrous altars, fertility rites, and corrupt sacrificial practices. The "slaughter" mentioned in the verse could refer to these abhorrent sacrifices, including child sacrifice, or the general moral violence and injustice pervading society. Mizpah and Tabor were prominent geographical locations, often serving as cultic sites or strategic points, making them fitting symbols for Israel's widespread apostasy.
* **Key Themes:** Hosea 5:2 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Hosea. First, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Israel's Spiritual Adultery and Rebellion**, portraying the nation as a "revolter" who has deeply departed from their covenant relationship with Yahweh. This rebellion is not merely passive but active and destructive, leading to "slaughter." Second, the verse highlights **God's Persistent Rebuke and Long-Suffering Patience**. Despite Israel's profound sin, God consistently acts as a "rebuker," demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His desire for their repentance, even in the face of their stubbornness. This divine discipline is an expression of His justice and His love. Finally, the verse implicitly foreshadows the **Inevitable Consequences of Unrepentant Sin**. The depth of Israel's rebellion, described as "profound to make slaughter," makes their eventual judgment and exile a just and necessary outcome, a theme that runs throughout [Hosea](/hosea "The Book of Hosea") and is explicitly stated in passages like [Hosea 9:3](/hosea/9-3 "Hosea 9:3 - Israel's Exile"). The verse underscores that ignoring divine warnings leads to self-inflicted destruction and separation from God's blessing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Revolters (Hebrew, _sêṭ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to turn aside" or "depart from right," this term signifies a deliberate turning away from God's path and covenant. It implies a conscious act of rebellion and apostasy, not merely an accidental transgression. The "revolters" are those who have chosen a path of disobedience, leading to sin.
* **Profound (Hebrew, _ʻâmaq'_):** This verb means "to be deep" or "to make deep." In this context, it indicates that the actions of the revolters are not superficial or accidental but deeply ingrained, deliberate, and thoroughly planned. Their sin is not a momentary lapse but a profound, entrenched state of being, suggesting a hardened heart and a systematic engagement in wickedness.
* **Slaughter (Hebrew, _shâchaṭ'_):** This noun refers to the act of killing or slaying, often in the context of sacrifice or massacre. In Hosea 5:2, it carries multiple layers of meaning: it could refer to the literal, abhorrent idolatrous sacrifices offered to foreign gods (which often involved the "slaughter" of animals or even children), or it could metaphorically represent the spiritual "slaughter" or destruction of their covenant relationship with God, and the self-destructive consequences their sin brought upon themselves and their society.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the revolters are profound to make slaughter":** This clause describes the deep-seated nature of Israel's rebellion. The "revolters" (likely referring to the spiritual and political leaders, and by extension, the nation) have intentionally and deeply plunged themselves into destructive practices. The phrase "profound to make slaughter" indicates that their sin is not superficial but is a deliberate, entrenched, and destructive act, whether literal (corrupt sacrifices, violence) or metaphorical (spiritual destruction). Their rebellion has reached a critical, unyielding depth.
* **"though I have been a rebuker of them all":** This part of the verse highlights God's consistent and persistent efforts to call His people back to Himself. Despite their profound rebellion and destructive actions, the Lord has not remained silent or passive. He has actively intervened as a "rebuker," providing warnings, discipline, and instruction through His prophets and the consequences of their actions. This emphasizes God's long-suffering patience and His desire for His people's repentance, even in the face of their hardened hearts.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 5:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The phrase "profound to make slaughter" is a powerful **Metaphor** or **Hyperbole**, describing the extreme depth and destructive nature of Israel's sin. It's not merely that they sin, but that their sin has become a deep-seated, almost ritualistic, act of self-destruction, akin to a sacrificial killing. This **Metaphor** extends to the idea of spiritual death and the severing of their relationship with God. The contrast between Israel's profound rebellion and God's consistent role as a "rebuker" creates a stark **Juxtaposition**, emphasizing the divine patience against human stubbornness. Furthermore, the portrayal of God as a "rebuker" is an example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human action (rebuking, disciplining) to God, making His active engagement in their lives more relatable and immediate. The verse's concise yet impactful language also contributes to its **Poetic Intensity**, characteristic of prophetic literature, designed to shock and awaken the audience to the gravity of their situation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 5:2 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of sin and divine justice. It reveals that sin, when unaddressed, can become deeply ingrained ("profound"), leading to destructive outcomes ("slaughter"). This isn't just about individual acts but a systemic corruption that affects a nation's spiritual vitality and societal well-being. Yet, even in the face of such profound rebellion, God's character as a "rebuker" underscores His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. His discipline is not punitive for punishment's sake but redemptive in its intent, aiming to bring about repentance and restoration. This tension between human culpability and divine patience is central to understanding God's relationship with humanity throughout redemptive history, highlighting that His warnings are always an invitation to return.

* [Proverbs 15:10](/proverbs/15-10 "Proverbs 15:10 - Discipline for the Wayward")
* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart")
* [Hebrews 12:5-6](/hebrews/12-5-6 "Hebrews 12:5-6 - God's Discipline as a Father's Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 5:2 offers timeless insights for contemporary believers, urging us to examine the depth of our own hearts and our responsiveness to God's voice. The "profound slaughter" of Israel's sin serves as a stark warning against allowing any form of rebellion or disobedience to take deep root in our lives. Unconfessed sin, left unchecked, can become ingrained, leading to spiritual decay and destructive patterns that harm ourselves and those around us. We are called to vigilance, to cultivate a tender heart that is quick to discern and respond to the Holy Spirit's conviction and the truth of God's Word, rather than hardening ourselves against divine correction. God's role as a "rebuker" reminds us that His discipline is a manifestation of His love, a gracious pursuit intended to refine us and guide us back to His path. Embracing His correction, rather than resisting it, is essential for spiritual growth and a vibrant relationship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly or overtly "revolting" against God's known will, allowing sin to become "profound"?**
* **How do I typically respond to God's "rebukes" – through His Word, circumstances, or the counsel of others? Do I embrace correction or resist it?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is more sensitive and responsive to the Holy Spirit's guidance and conviction?**

### FAQ

**What does "profound to make slaughter" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "profound to make slaughter" (Hebrew: *he'emiku shechitah*) signifies the extreme depth and deliberate nature of Israel's sin and rebellion. It suggests that their actions were not accidental or superficial, but deeply ingrained and intentional, leading to destructive outcomes. This "slaughter" can be interpreted in several ways: literal idolatrous sacrifices (which often involved the killing of animals or even children, abhorrent to Yahweh), metaphorical spiritual destruction of their covenant relationship with God, or the societal violence and moral decay that resulted from their rejection of divine law. It emphasizes that their sin had become a fundamental characteristic, leading to self-inflicted ruin.

**Why does God describe Himself as a "rebuker" of them all?**

Answer: God describes Himself as a "rebuker" (Hebrew: *mûwçâr*, meaning "chastisement," "reproof," "instruction," or "discipline") to highlight His consistent and patient efforts to call Israel back to repentance. Despite their profound rebellion, God did not abandon them. Instead, He continually sent prophets like Hosea to warn them, instruct them, and call them to account. This demonstrates God's long-suffering love and His desire for His people to return to Him, even as His justice demands that He address their sin. His "rebuke" is an act of divine discipline, intended to correct and restore, not merely to condemn. This aspect of God's character is echoed in [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - God Disciplines Those He Loves"), where it states, "For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 5:2, with its stark depiction of Israel's profound rebellion and God's persistent rebuke, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The "revolters" of Israel, deeply entrenched in their "slaughter" of covenant fidelity, represent humanity's universal sin problem—a profound alienation from God that leads to spiritual death. The Law, through prophets like Hosea, served as the "rebuker," exposing sin and condemning it, but could not provide the ultimate remedy for humanity's deep-seated rebellion, as seen in [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin"). Jesus, however, perfectly embodies God's righteous rebuke against sin while simultaneously providing the means of atonement. He is the ultimate Lamb of God, whose own "slaughter" on the cross, as described in [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Lamb Led to Slaughter"), became the definitive sacrifice that takes away the sin of the world, as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His death, Christ absorbed the divine judgment against humanity's profound rebellion, offering reconciliation and new life to all who believe. Thus, the "rebuker" became the redeemer, transforming the consequence of "slaughter" into the path of salvation, fulfilling the very purpose of God's patient pursuit of His people.

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 9:15

All their wickedness [is] in Gilgal: for there I hated them: for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of mine house, I will love them no more: all their princes [are] revolters.

Isaiah 29:15

Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?

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.

Acts 23:12

¶ And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

Acts 23:15

Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.

Hosea 6:5

Therefore have I hewed [them] by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments [are as] the light [that] goeth forth.

Jeremiah 6:28

They [are] all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: [they are] brass and iron; they [are] all corrupters.