Hosea 6:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And as troops {H1416} of robbers wait {H2442} for a man {H376}, so the company {H2267} of priests {H3548} murder {H7523} in the way {H1870} by consent {H7926}{H7927}: for they commit {H6213} lewdness {H2154}.

Complete Jewish Bible

just as bands of robbers wait to ambush someone, so does a gang of cohanim. They commit murder on the road to Sh'khem! Their conduct is an outrage!

Berean Standard Bible

Like raiders who lie in ambush, so does a band of priests; they murder on the way to Shechem; surely they have committed atrocities.

American Standard Version

And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way toward Shechem; yea, they have committed lewdness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 6:9 delivers a searing indictment against the priestly class in Israel, portraying them not as spiritual guides but as violent criminals. The prophet starkly compares their collective, premeditated acts of "murder" and "lewdness" along the common roads to the ambush tactics of robber gangs, highlighting the profound corruption and moral depravity that had permeated the very heart of the nation's spiritual leadership. This verse underscores the devastating consequences when those entrusted with divine truth become agents of wickedness, leading the people further into sin and judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 6 continues the prophet's impassioned plea for Israel to return to Yahweh, juxtaposing God's unwavering desire for covenant faithfulness with Israel's persistent spiritual harlotry. The preceding verses (Hosea 6:1-3) express a superficial desire for return, which God immediately exposes as fleeting and insincere (Hosea 6:4-5). Crucially, [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Mercy, Not Sacrifice") articulates God's core demand: "For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." This verse sets the stage for the condemnation in 6:9, revealing that the priests, who were supposed to embody and teach this "knowledge of God" and practice "mercy," were instead engaged in the very opposite. Their actions, described as "transgressing the covenant" like Adam (Hosea 6:7) and being stained with blood (Hosea 6:8), directly lead into the specific accusation against the priests in 6:9, demonstrating their central role in the nation's pervasive sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hosea prophesied to the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) during a period of significant political instability and moral decay, roughly from the mid-8th century BCE. After the death of Jeroboam II, a succession of kings ruled briefly, often through assassinations, leading to widespread chaos. Spiritually, the nation had long abandoned the Mosaic covenant, engaging in syncretistic worship, blending Yahwism with Baal worship, and adopting Canaanite fertility cult practices. The priests, originally appointed to uphold the Law, offer sacrifices, and teach the people, had become deeply compromised. They were often complicit in, or even leading, the idolatrous practices and social injustices that characterized the era. The phrase "in the way" (Hebrew: _baderekh_) likely refers to the roads leading to cultic sites or even inter-city routes, implying that their wicked deeds were not hidden but openly committed, affecting the daily lives and spiritual journeys of the common people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hosea. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Corrupt Leadership**, specifically targeting the priests who, as spiritual custodians, had utterly failed in their duty, becoming agents of destruction rather than guidance. Their actions directly contradict God's desire for "knowledge of God" and "mercy" as stated in [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Mercy, Not Sacrifice"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Systemic Depravity**, showing that sin was not isolated but pervasive, reaching even the most sacred institutions. The phrase "by consent" suggests a collective, organized wickedness among the priestly class. Thirdly, the comparison to "troops of robbers" and the act of "murder" underscores the theme of **Spiritual and Moral Violence**. The priests' neglect and active sin were not merely passive failures but actively destructive, leading the people away from God and effectively "murdering" their spiritual vitality, echoing the warning in [Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "Hosea 4:6 - My People Are Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge") about destruction due to lack of knowledge. Finally, the mention of "lewdness" ties into Hosea's broader theme of **Spiritual Harlotry and Idolatry**, portraying Israel's unfaithfulness as a gross violation of their covenant marriage to Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **troops (Hebrew, _gᵉdûwd'_):** From the root meaning "to cut" or "to gather," this word refers to a crowd, specifically a military band or a company of raiders/robbers. Its use here immediately conjures an image of organized, predatory violence, setting the tone for the comparison to the priests. It implies a deliberate, collective action, not random individual acts.
* **priests (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** This term denotes one who officiates in sacred rites, a priest. In ancient Israel, priests were Levites appointed to mediate between God and the people, offer sacrifices, teach the Law, and discern God's will. The prophet's application of "murder" and "lewdness" to this sacred office highlights the profound irony and tragic reversal of their divinely appointed role.
* **murder (Hebrew, _râtsach'_):** This is a strong verb, specifically referring to the unlawful killing of a human being, often premeditated or malicious, as prohibited by the Sixth Commandment ([Exodus 20:13](/exodus/20-13 "Exodus 20:13 - The Sixth Commandment")). Its use here is shocking, implying that the priests' actions were not merely negligent but actively destructive, leading to spiritual or even physical demise for those they were meant to guide.
* **lewdness (Hebrew, _zimmâh'_):** This term signifies a plan, especially a bad one, encompassing heinous crime, depravity, wickedness, and often specifically refers to sexual immorality, prostitution, and idolatrous practices. Its presence here indicates that the priests were involved in the very moral and spiritual corruption that characterized Israel's unfaithfulness to God, blurring the lines between the sacred and the profane.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as troops of robbers wait for a man,"**: This opening clause establishes a vivid simile, likening the priests' actions to the predatory behavior of organized gangs of robbers. The image is one of ambush, where a group lies in wait along a common path, ready to attack an unsuspecting individual. This sets up the shocking comparison that follows, implying premeditation and a collective, organized intent to harm.
* **"so the company of priests murder in the way by consent:"**: Here, the comparison is made explicit and devastating. The "company of priests" (Hebrew: _cheber kôhênîm_, implying a society or league of priests) are accused of "murder." This "murder" is committed "in the way" (Hebrew: _baderekh_), meaning along the public roads or paths, suggesting their wickedness was overt and affected the daily lives of the people. The phrase "by consent" (Hebrew: _shᵉkem echad_, literally "one shoulder" or "one accord") emphasizes their collective agreement and unified purpose in their nefarious deeds, indicating systemic corruption rather than isolated incidents.
* **"for they commit lewdness."**: This final clause provides the reason or explanation for their murderous actions. The "lewdness" (Hebrew: _zimmâh_) they commit encompasses a range of heinous immoralities, often including sexual depravity and idolatry. This "lewdness" is not just a personal failing but a deliberate act that leads to the spiritual (and possibly physical) destruction of the people, effectively "murdering" their spiritual vitality and leading them astray from God's covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 6:9 is rich with powerful literary devices that amplify its message of condemnation. The most prominent is **Simile**, explicitly stated with "And as... so." The priests are directly compared to "troops of robbers," immediately evoking images of violence, betrayal, and exploitation. This comparison is a form of **Invective**, a harsh and direct accusation, designed to shock the audience by equating sacred office-holders with common criminals. There is also profound **Irony** at play: those who were meant to be guardians of the Law and spiritual guides are instead depicted as its most egregious violators, leading the people into the very sins they were meant to prevent. The phrase "murder in the way" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme spiritual and moral damage inflicted by the priests, suggesting their actions were as destructive as literal homicide, even if not always physically so. The phrase "by consent" uses **Synecdoche**, where "shoulder" (part of the body, _shᵉkem_) represents the whole of their collective agreement and unified action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 6:9 serves as a stark warning about the profound dangers of corrupt spiritual leadership, illustrating how a compromised priesthood can lead an entire nation astray. The priests, meant to be mediators of God's truth and upholders of the covenant, had become agents of destruction, demonstrating a tragic reversal of their divine mandate. Their "murder" and "lewdness" were not merely personal sins but systemic failures that actively undermined the spiritual health of Israel, proving that outward religious ritual is meaningless without inward righteousness and integrity. This passage underscores the biblical principle that those in positions of spiritual authority bear a greater responsibility, as their actions have far-reaching consequences for the flock they are meant to shepherd.

* [Jeremiah 23:1-2](/jeremiah/23-1-2 "Jeremiah 23:1-2 - Woe to the Shepherds")
* [Malachi 2:7-8](/malachi/2-7-8 "Malachi 2:7-8 - Priests' Covenant Broken")
* [Matthew 23:13-15](/matthew/23-13-15 "Matthew 23:13-15 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 6:9 is a sobering mirror for all who claim spiritual leadership, or indeed, for any believer seeking to live faithfully. It challenges us to examine the integrity of our own lives and the lives of those we follow. When spiritual guides prioritize personal gain, power, or worldly desires over divine truth and the well-being of the flock, they become stumbling blocks rather than signposts to God. This verse calls us to a rigorous discernment of teaching and practice, urging us to hold leaders accountable to biblical standards of righteousness and compassion. For individual believers, it serves as a powerful reminder that true faith is not merely about outward religious observance but about inward transformation that leads to righteous living and genuine love for God and neighbor. It compels us to ask: Are our actions building up or tearing down? Are we leading others closer to God or away from Him? The spiritual health of a community is profoundly shaped by the integrity of its members, especially its leaders.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the comparison of priests to "troops of robbers" challenge our understanding of spiritual leadership today?**
* **In what ways might "murder in the way" manifest in contemporary spiritual contexts, even if not literal physical violence?**
* **What does "by consent" imply about the nature of corruption within a community, and how can we guard against such collective depravity?**
* **How can individual believers exercise discernment and hold spiritual leaders accountable in a way that is both biblical and loving?**
* **What forms of "lewdness" (moral depravity or spiritual unfaithfulness) might be present in our own lives or communities that need to be confessed and repented of?**

### FAQ

**What does "murder in the way by consent" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the profound and systemic corruption of the Israelite priests. "Murder" (Hebrew: _râtsach_) here signifies not necessarily literal physical killing, though that might have occurred, but primarily a spiritual and moral destruction. The priests, by abandoning their God-given role to teach and uphold the Law, and by actively participating in or condoning idolatry and social injustice (the "lewdness"), were effectively "murdering" the spiritual lives of the people. They led them away from God, causing them to stumble and fall into sin, which ultimately led to national judgment and destruction. "In the way" (Hebrew: _baderekh_) suggests these acts were committed along common paths or public routes, implying their corruption was overt and impacted the daily lives of ordinary people. "By consent" (Hebrew: _shᵉkem echad_, literally "one shoulder" or "one accord") emphasizes that this was not isolated behavior but a collective, organized, and agreed-upon pattern of wickedness among the priestly class, indicating deep-seated institutional depravity. It underscores that their actions were deliberate and unified, much like a gang of robbers working together to ambush their victims. This collective agreement made their sin all the more grievous in God's eyes, as it reflected a pervasive betrayal of their sacred trust.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 6:9, with its scathing indictment of Israel's corrupt priests, powerfully foreshadows the need for a perfect High Priest and Shepherd who would not lead His flock astray but would lay down His life for them. The priests of Hosea's day, who were meant to mediate God's presence and teach His ways, instead became "troops of robbers" who "murdered" and committed "lewdness," leading the people into spiritual death. This stark failure highlights the inadequacy of the Old Covenant priesthood and points to the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Unlike the corrupt priests, Jesus is the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd") who truly cares for His sheep, protecting them from spiritual harm and leading them to abundant life. He is also our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), holy, blameless, unstained by sin, and separate from sinners, who offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin, unlike the repeated, insufficient sacrifices offered by the Old Testament priests ([Hebrews 7:26-27](/hebrews/7-26-27 "Hebrews 7:26-27 - Jesus' Perfect Priesthood")). Where the priests of Hosea's time committed "lewdness" and led to spiritual "murder," Christ, through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, provides true righteousness and eternal life, rescuing humanity from the very spiritual death that corrupt leadership inflicted. He is the righteous King and Priest who perfectly fulfills God's desire for "mercy, and the knowledge of God" ([Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Mercy, Not Sacrifice")), leading His people in the "way" of truth and life, rather than ambushing them with depravity.

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

Zephaniah 3:3

Her princes within her [are] roaring lions; her judges [are] evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.

Hosea 5:1

¶ 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.

Hosea 7:1

¶ When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria: for they commit falsehood; and the thief cometh in, [and] the troop of robbers spoileth without.

Ezekiel 22:9

In thee are men that carry tales to shed blood: and in thee they eat upon the mountains: in the midst of thee they commit lewdness.

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;

Jeremiah 7:10

And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?

Ezra 8:31

¶ Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth [day] of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.