Hosea 5:7

KJV

They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions.

KJV (with Strong's)

They have dealt treacherously {H898} against the LORD {H3068}: for they have begotten {H3205} strange {H2114} children {H1121}: now shall a month {H2320} devour {H398} them with their portions {H2506}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They have betrayed ADONAI, by fathering foreign children. Now within the month the invaders will devour their lands.

Berean Standard Bible

They have been unfaithful to the LORD; for they have borne illegitimate children. Now the New Moon will devour them along with their land.

American Standard Version

They have dealt treacherously against Jehovah; for they have borne strange children: now shall the new moon devour them with their fields.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 5:7 delivers a severe prophetic indictment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) for their profound spiritual infidelity to the LORD, manifested in their covenant breaking and the propagation of a generation alienated from God. This treachery is met with a swift and complete divine judgment, signaling the imminent and devastating consequences of their persistent unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Hosea (chapters 4-6) where the prophet pronounces judgment against Israel's pervasive sin, particularly their idolatry, moral corruption, and political alliances that bypass reliance on God. Chapter 5 specifically begins with a call for priests, the house of Israel, and the house of the king to listen, as judgment is decreed upon them for their spiritual defilement. The preceding verses lament Israel's harlotry and their refusal to return to God, despite their suffering. Verse 7 acts as a direct consequence of the sins detailed in the earlier verses, linking their spiritual adultery to the corrupted generation they produce and the swift judgment that awaits them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hosea prophesied during the turbulent final decades of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, spanning the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah in Judah, and Jeroboam II through Hoshea in Israel (c. 750-715 BC). This period was marked by political instability, assassinations of kings, and a desperate oscillation between alliances with Assyria and Egypt, rather than trust in Yahweh. Culturally, the syncretism of Yahweh worship with Canaanite Baal worship was rampant, leading to widespread moral decay, social injustice, and the adoption of pagan religious practices. The "portions" mentioned in the verse would have referred to their land, wealth, and inheritance, which were tied to the covenant and now stood to be consumed by judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Hosea 5:7 powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book. The primary theme is **Covenant Unfaithfulness**, depicted as spiritual harlotry, where Israel's relationship with God is likened to an unfaithful wife. This is a central metaphor established early in the book, as seen in [Hosea 1:2](/hosea/1-2 "Hosea 1:2 - The Metaphor of Unfaithfulness"). This unfaithfulness leads directly to **Generational Corruption**, where the "strange children" represent a populace alienated from God's covenant, perpetuating the nation's spiritual decline. This concept echoes warnings found in the Mosaic Law about the intergenerational consequences of idolatry, as highlighted in [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - Consequences of Idolatry"). Finally, the verse underscores **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing its swiftness and totality, a recurring motif that culminates in the eventual Assyrian exile and the destruction of Israel's "portions," their land and inheritance, as prophesied throughout [Hosea](/hosea/1 "The Book of Hosea").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **treacherously (Hebrew, _bâgad'_):** From H898 (bâgad), a primitive root meaning "to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage; deal deceitfully (treacherously, unfaithfully), offend, transgress(-or), (depart), treacherous (dealer, -ly, man), unfaithful(-ly, man), [idiom] very." This word signifies a profound betrayal of trust, often used in contexts of marital infidelity or breaking a covenant. It emphasizes Israel's deliberate and deep-seated disloyalty to their covenant relationship with the LORD.
* **strange (Hebrew, _zûwr'_):** From H2114 (zûwr), a primitive root meaning "to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be aforeigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery; (come from) another (man, place), fanner, go away, (e-) strange(-r, thing, woman)." In this context, "strange" children are not merely illegitimate in a physical sense, but spiritually alienated, foreign to the covenant, or born into idolatrous practices, thus becoming estranged from Yahweh.
* **month (Hebrew, _chôdesh'_):** From H2320 (chôdesh), meaning "the new moon; by implication, a month; month(-ly), new moon." The use of "month" here signifies a short, definite, and swift period of time. It conveys the suddenness and inevitability of the impending judgment, implying that the destruction will not be prolonged but will occur within a brief, specified timeframe.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They have dealt treacherously against the LORD":** This clause serves as the primary accusation, highlighting Israel's profound and deliberate betrayal of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The term "treacherously" (bâgad) implies a violation of trust and loyalty, akin to spiritual adultery. Despite being chosen and sustained by God, Israel consistently turned away from Him, pursuing idolatry and foreign alliances, thus breaking the sacred vows made at Sinai.
* **"for they have begotten strange children":** This phrase explains the consequence and manifestation of their treachery. The "strange children" are not necessarily illegitimate in a biological sense, but rather spiritually alienated. They are children raised in an environment of idolatry and syncretism, who have adopted "strange" (foreign, pagan) practices and are therefore estranged from the true God of Israel. This points to the intergenerational impact of their unfaithfulness, where the parents' spiritual harlotry results in a corrupted, ungodly offspring.
* **"now shall a month devour them with their portions":** This final clause pronounces the swift and comprehensive divine judgment. "A month" indicates a short, definite period, emphasizing the suddenness and inevitability of the impending destruction. The verb "devour" signifies complete consumption and devastation. "Their portions" refers to everything they possess—their land, inheritance, wealth, and possibly even their national identity—all of which will be consumed in this judgment, leaving them desolate. This foreshadows the impending Assyrian invasion and exile, which would indeed swiftly strip them of their land and autonomy.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 5:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of judgment. **Metaphor** is central, particularly in the implied comparison of Israel's unfaithfulness to marital infidelity, where "dealing treacherously" (bâgad) carries strong connotations of betrayal in a covenantal or marital context. The phrase "begotten strange children" further extends this metaphor, portraying the spiritual offspring of Israel's idolatry as alienated and foreign to God. **Symbolism** is evident in "a month," which symbolizes a short, decisive, and inescapable period of divine judgment, emphasizing the suddenness of the impending doom. The verb "devour" acts as a form of **Hyperbole** or intense imagery, suggesting a total and utterly destructive consumption, leaving nothing behind for the unfaithful nation. Together, these devices create a vivid and stark picture of the consequences of Israel's spiritual rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 5:7 profoundly underscores the sanctity of the covenant relationship between God and His people, highlighting the severe consequences of its betrayal. Israel's "treachery" is not merely a moral failing but a direct violation of their sacred vows to Yahweh, revealing the depth of God's pain over their spiritual harlotry. This verse serves as a stark reminder that persistent unfaithfulness and the propagation of a generation alienated from God's truth inevitably lead to divine judgment. It emphasizes God's justice, which, though patient, is ultimately certain and comprehensive, consuming not only the people but also their perceived security and inheritance. The theological implication is that God's covenant demands exclusive loyalty, and any deviation, especially through idolatry and syncretism, will result in the loss of blessing and the experience of His righteous wrath.

* [Deuteronomy 32:15-21](/deuteronomy/32-15-21 "Deuteronomy 32:15-21 - Israel's Unfaithfulness and God's Jealousy")
* [Jeremiah 3:6-10](/jeremiah/3-6-10 "Jeremiah 3:6-10 - Israel's Persistent Backsliding")
* [Galatians 6:7-8](/galatians/6-7-8 "Galatians 6:7-8 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 5:7 stands as a timeless warning for all who claim allegiance to God. It challenges us to examine the depth of our own faithfulness, not merely in outward observance but in the true devotion of our hearts. Are we "dealing treacherously" against the LORD by allowing worldly values, personal idols, or spiritual apathy to dilute our commitment to Him? This verse also powerfully highlights the profound intergenerational impact of our spiritual choices. Parents and spiritual leaders bear a weighty responsibility to raise up children who are truly God's, not "strange children" alienated by spiritual compromise or indifference. Our actions and beliefs today shape the spiritual landscape for future generations. Furthermore, the swiftness of the "month" devouring "portions" reminds us that while God is merciful and patient, His justice is real and will eventually bring consequences for unrepentant sin. This calls us to continuous self-examination, genuine repentance, and a renewed commitment to walk in complete faithfulness to our divine covenant partner, ensuring that our lives and the lives of those we influence are truly devoted to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be "dealing treacherously" against the LORD in our modern context?**
* **How do my personal spiritual choices impact the spiritual formation of the next generation, and what steps can I take to ensure I am raising "children" who are truly devoted to God?**
* **What "portions" in my life might be vulnerable to being "devoured" if I persist in unfaithfulness, and how can I proactively seek God's mercy and realignment?**

### FAQ

**What does "strange children" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Hosea 5:7, "strange children" (Hebrew: *zarim*) does not primarily refer to biological illegitimacy but to spiritual alienation. It signifies children who are "foreign" to the covenant relationship with Yahweh, either because they were born into a culture steeped in idolatry and syncretism, or because they have adopted pagan practices themselves, thereby becoming estranged from the true God of Israel. Their very existence and spiritual formation are a direct consequence and manifestation of their parents' "treachery" or unfaithfulness to the LORD. This concept underscores the tragic generational impact of Israel's spiritual harlotry and their failure to transmit true faith.

**Why does the verse say "a month devour them with their portions"?**

Answer: The phrase "a month devour them with their portions" signifies the swift, definite, and comprehensive nature of God's impending judgment. "A month" (Hebrew: *chôdesh*) implies a short, fixed period, emphasizing the suddenness and inevitability of the destruction, rather than a prolonged or gradual decline. The verb "devour" (Hebrew: *ʼâkal*) indicates a complete consumption, leaving nothing behind. "Their portions" (Hebrew: *chêleq*) refers to their inheritance, land, wealth, and all that they possess and rely upon. This imagery powerfully conveys that not only the people themselves but also their entire way of life, their security, and their national identity would be swiftly and utterly consumed by divine wrath, likely foreshadowing the Assyrian invasion and exile that would indeed strip Israel of its land and autonomy, as described in [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - The Assyrian Exile of Israel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 5:7, with its stark prophecy of judgment against Israel's treachery and the begetting of "strange children," finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Israel's failure to maintain covenant faithfulness, leading to a corrupted lineage, stands in stark contrast to Christ's perfect obedience and fidelity. He is the true Israel, the faithful Son who perfectly kept the covenant, even unto death on the cross, as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death"). Through His sacrifice, Christ deals with the "treachery" of humanity's sin, offering a path to reconciliation with God. Furthermore, where Israel begot "strange children" alienated from God, Christ, through His atoning work, enables a new spiritual birth, transforming those who believe into "children of God" (as seen in [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God"))—no longer strange or foreign, but adopted into God's family through faith in Him. The "month" of judgment that devoured Israel's portions points forward to the ultimate judgment for sin, which Christ bore on the cross, thereby delivering believers from the consuming wrath and establishing a new covenant where spiritual inheritance is secured eternally, as detailed in [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of the New Covenant").

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 6:7

But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me.

Isaiah 48:8

Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time [that] thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.

Jeremiah 3:20

¶ Surely [as] a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the LORD.

Nehemiah 13:23

¶ In those days also saw I Jews [that] had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, [and] of Moab:

Nehemiah 13:24

And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people.

Ezekiel 12:28

Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.

Isaiah 59:13

In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.