Hosea 7:15

Though I have bound [and] strengthened their arms, yet do they imagine mischief against me.

Though I have bound {H3256} and strengthened {H2388} their arms {H2220}, yet do they imagine {H2803} mischief {H7451} against me.

It was I who trained and strengthened their arms, yet they plot evil against me.

Although I trained and strengthened their arms, they plot evil against Me.

Though I have taught and strengthened their arms, yet do they devise mischief against me.

Hosea 7:15 KJV presents a poignant lament from God concerning the nation of Israel (often referred to as Ephraim in Hosea). The verse starkly contrasts God's benevolent actions towards His people with their deliberate rebellion and ingratitude.

Context of Hosea 7:15

The Book of Hosea is a prophetic message primarily directed at the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) during a period of political instability and spiritual decline before their exile to Assyria. Hosea's ministry highlights Israel's persistent idolatry and spiritual adultery, likening their unfaithfulness to a marriage covenant broken by a wayward spouse. Chapter 7 specifically details the deep corruption within Israel's leadership and society, describing their reliance on foreign alliances rather than on God, their internal strife, and their moral decay. The nation is portrayed as "a cake not turned" (Hosea 7:8), half-baked and inconsistent in their devotion, making them vulnerable and weak despite God's past support.

Key Themes

  • Divine Benevolence vs. Human Ingratitude: The verse underscores God's active role in supporting and empowering Israel ("Though I have bound and strengthened their arms"). This refers to His provision of military strength, prosperity, and general well-being. Yet, despite this divine care, Israel responds with direct opposition and plotting ("yet do they imagine mischief against me").
  • Covenant Infidelity: This verse encapsulates Israel's persistent breach of their covenant relationship with God. Despite all the blessings and protection He afforded them, they chose to devise evil and rebel, demonstrating a profound lack of loyalty and trust. This theme resonates throughout Hosea, highlighting the consequences of breaking God's laws (Hosea 4:1-2).
  • Intentional Rebellion: The phrase "imagine mischief" points to a deliberate, premeditated act of rebellion. It's not a momentary lapse but a calculated plotting against God's will and His person.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "bound and strengthened their arms" uses the verbs 'āsar (bound, harnessed, equipped) and ḥāzaq (strengthened, made firm). This emphasizes God's active, hands-on role in equipping and empowering Israel, perhaps for battle or for general prosperity. The term "imagine mischief" is from ḥāshab rāʿāh, which means to "devise evil," "plot wickedness," or "think maliciously." This highlights the intentionality and deep-seated nature of Israel's sin, indicating that their rebellion was not accidental but a product of their inner thoughts and desires.

Practical Application

Hosea 7:15 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  • Acknowledge God's Blessings: We are called to recognize the countless ways God provides for and strengthens us, both physically and spiritually. Our very abilities and opportunities are often gifts from His hand.
  • Guard Against Ingratitude: It's easy to take God's blessings for granted or, worse, to use them for self-serving purposes that contradict His will. This verse warns against the danger of spiritual complacency and a rebellious heart.
  • Examine Our Intentions: The phrase "imagine mischief" challenges us to look beyond outward actions to the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. Do we secretly harbor attitudes or plans that are contrary to God's ways, even while outwardly appearing religious?
  • Respond with Obedience: God's faithfulness to us calls for our faithful obedience in return. Just as God's mercies are new every morning, our response should be one of continuous repentance and devotion, turning away from any "mischief" we might devise against Him.
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.

  • Nahum 1:9

    ¶ What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

  • Hebrews 12:5

    And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

  • Psalms 2:1

    ¶ Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

  • Psalms 106:43

    Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked [him] with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.

  • Psalms 106:45

    And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.

  • Proverbs 3:11

    My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

  • 2 Kings 13:23

    And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.

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