Hosea 7:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 7:15 presents a profound lament from God, contrasting His benevolent and empowering actions toward the nation of Israel with their persistent, deliberate rebellion. Despite God's active role in strengthening and even disciplining His people, they respond with profound ingratitude, actively plotting evil and devising mischief against Him, revealing a deep-seated spiritual apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 7 is a scathing indictment of Israel's (Ephraim's) spiritual and political corruption. It immediately follows a description of their internal moral decay (e.g., "hot as an oven" in [Hosea 7:4](/hosea/7-4 "Hosea 7:4 - Moral Corruption")) and their reliance on foreign alliances rather than on God. The chapter portrays Israel as spiritually inconsistent and weak, likening them to "a cake not turned" ([Hosea 7:8](/hosea/7-8 "Hosea 7:8 - Israel's Inconsistency")), half-baked and vulnerable to destruction. Verse 15 specifically highlights the perverse nature of their rebellion: God's very acts of strengthening are met with plotting. This verse is part of a larger section (Hosea 7:8-16) that details Israel's folly in seeking help from foreign nations (Assyria, Egypt) while turning away from the Lord, leading to their inevitable judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Hosea is set in the turbulent final decades of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, prior to its fall to Assyria in 722 BC. This period was marked by political instability, frequent changes in kingship (often through assassination), and a pervasive spiritual syncretism where the worship of Yahweh was blended with Canaanite Baal worship. Culturally, Israel had adopted many pagan practices, including idolatry and ritual prostitution, directly violating the covenant God established at Sinai. Geographically, Israel's position between powerful empires (Egypt and Assyria) led to a dangerous game of shifting alliances, which Hosea condemns as a lack of faith in God's protection. The "arms" mentioned in the verse can be understood as both physical military strength and general prosperity, both of which were seen as divine blessings in ancient Near Eastern cultures, yet Israel used these blessings to pursue their own destructive path.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes of Hosea. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Benevolence vs. Human Ingratitude**. God's active provision and empowerment are starkly contrasted with Israel's ungrateful and rebellious response. Secondly, it highlights **Covenant Infidelity**, a central motif in Hosea, often depicted through the metaphor of a broken marriage covenant. Despite God's unwavering faithfulness, Israel repeatedly breaks their vows, demonstrating a profound lack of loyalty and trust, as seen in their turning to idols and foreign powers ([Hosea 4:1-2](/hosea/4-1-2 "Hosea 4:1-2 - Israel's Broken Covenant")). Thirdly, the phrase "imagine mischief" points to **Intentional Rebellion**. This is not a passive neglect but a deliberate, premeditated act of defiance and plotting against God's will and His person, revealing a deep-seated corruption of heart that extends throughout the nation, from its leaders to its common people ([Hosea 7:3-7](/hosea/7-3-7 "Hosea 7:3-7 - The Corruption of Leaders")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bound (Hebrew, _yâçar'_):** From H3256, a primitive root meaning "to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct." While the KJV translates it as "bound," the primary sense of `yâçar` is disciplinary or formative. God's action here is not merely to restrain or equip, but to instruct, train, and even correct Israel, implying a process of divine education and shaping, often through hardship, to bring them into proper alignment.
* **strengthened (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** From H2388, a primitive root meaning "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer." This word clearly conveys God's active role in making Israel strong, firm, and capable, whether militarily, economically, or in their national identity. It speaks of divine empowerment and support.
* **imagine (Hebrew, _châshab'_):** From H2803, a primitive root meaning "to plait or interpenetrate, i.e. (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a malicious sense); hence (from the mental effort) to think, regard, value, compute." This word emphasizes the mental process of deliberation and planning. It indicates that Israel's rebellion was not accidental or impulsive but a calculated, intentional act of devising evil.
* **mischief (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, meaning "bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral); adversity, affliction, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong." This term encompasses a broad range of moral and natural evils. When combined with `châshab` ("imagine"), it signifies the deliberate plotting of morally corrupt and destructive actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Though I have bound and strengthened their arms":** This clause highlights God's active and benevolent engagement with Israel. The "arms" (Hebrew: `zᵉrôwaʻ`) symbolize strength, power, and capability, often in a military or executive sense. God asserts that He has been the source of their national might, their ability to defend themselves, and their overall prosperity. The verb "bound" (`yâçar`) suggests a disciplinary or formative training, while "strengthened" (`châzaq`) points to divine empowerment. Thus, God claims to have equipped, trained, and made Israel strong, providing them with the very means they possessed.
* **"yet do they imagine mischief against me":** This clause presents a stark and tragic contrast to God's benevolent actions. Despite receiving strength and training from God, Israel deliberately uses their faculties (their minds and intentions, implied by "imagine") to plot "mischief" (`raʻ`)—evil, harm, or wickedness—directly against God. This is not mere passive disobedience but an active, premeditated rebellion, a deep-seated hostility that manifests in devising plans contrary to God's will and covenant. It reveals the profound ingratitude and spiritual perversity of the nation.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 7:15 is rich in literary devices that amplify its poignant message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting God's benevolent actions ("bound and strengthened their arms") directly against Israel's malicious response ("imagine mischief against me"). This juxtaposition underscores the depth of Israel's ingratitude and the perversity of their rebellion. **Anthropomorphism** is also present, as God is described as performing human-like actions of "binding" and "strengthening arms," which are symbolic of His divine providence and empowerment. Furthermore, the "arms" themselves function as **Metonymy** or **Symbolism**, representing Israel's national strength, military prowess, and general capability. The verse also employs **Irony**: the very strength and training provided by God are perversely turned against Him in a calculated act of defiance. This highlights the tragic and self-destructive nature of Israel's sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 7:15 profoundly illustrates the tragic dynamic between divine grace and human rebellion. It reveals God as a faithful, nurturing Father who invests in His people, providing them with strength, guidance, and protection. Yet, it simultaneously exposes the deeply ingrained sinfulness of humanity, prone to ingratitude and deliberate opposition even when blessed. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's empowerment is intended for His purposes, not for self-serving or rebellious ends. It highlights the covenant relationship as one requiring mutual faithfulness, and Israel's failure to uphold their end of the covenant, despite God's unwavering commitment, leads to severe consequences. The "mischief" imagined against God is not just an act of disobedience but a rejection of the very source of their life and strength.

* [Deuteronomy 32:15](/deuteronomy/32-15 "Deuteronomy 32:15 - Jeshurun's Rebellion")
* [Isaiah 1:2-3](/isaiah/1-2-3 "Isaiah 1:2-3 - Israel's Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 2:31-32](/jeremiah/2-31-32 "Jeremiah 2:31-32 - Forgetting God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 7:15 challenges us to deeply examine the state of our own hearts and our relationship with God. It forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth that, like ancient Israel, we too can be recipients of God's immense grace and strengthening, yet still harbor intentions or pursue paths that are contrary to His will. Do we acknowledge the source of our abilities, resources, and opportunities? Or do we, perhaps subtly, take God's blessings for granted, or worse, use them for self-serving "mischief" that ultimately works against His purposes for our lives and the world? This verse calls us to a profound humility and a rigorous self-assessment, urging us to align our thoughts, plans, and actions with God's righteous character and loving desires. It reminds us that true spiritual health is found not merely in outward religious observance, but in the purity of our intentions and the unwavering loyalty of our hearts towards the One who empowers us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways has God "bound and strengthened" your "arms" (i.e., empowered you with gifts, resources, or opportunities)?**
* **Are there any areas in your life where you might be "imagining mischief" against God, perhaps by pursuing your own agenda or harboring ungodly thoughts despite His blessings?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for God's provision and actively use your strengths for His glory rather than for self-serving purposes?**
* **What steps can you take to ensure your inner thoughts and intentions are aligned with God's will, preventing the "plotting of mischief" in your heart?**

### FAQ
**What does "bound and strengthened their arms" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase refers to God's active role in empowering and enabling the nation of Israel. "Arms" symbolize strength, power, and capability, often in a military or national sense. The verb "strengthened" (Hebrew: `châzaq`) clearly indicates divine empowerment, making Israel strong and capable. The verb "bound" (Hebrew: `yâçar`), while translated as "bound" in KJV, carries the primary meaning of "to chastise, instruct, or discipline." Therefore, God is asserting that He not only gave Israel strength but also trained, disciplined, and prepared them, perhaps through various life circumstances and even hardships, to be His people and to fulfill their covenant responsibilities. He was the source of their very ability to function as a nation.

**How could Israel "imagine mischief against" God?**

Answer: To "imagine mischief" (Hebrew: `châshab raʻ`) means to deliberately plot, devise, or contrive evil. It indicates a premeditated and intentional act of rebellion, not an accidental lapse. Israel imagined mischief against God by consistently breaking His covenant, turning to idolatry, relying on foreign alliances instead of Him, and engaging in social injustice and moral corruption. These actions were direct affronts to God's character and His commands, demonstrating a deep-seated hostility and a calculated rejection of His lordship, despite all His benevolent actions towards them. Their very thoughts and plans were contrary to God's will, as seen throughout [Hosea 4-7](/hosea/4-7 "Hosea 4-7 - Israel's Sin and Judgment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 7:15, with its stark contrast between God's empowering grace and humanity's rebellious plotting, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. God's "binding and strengthening" of Israel's arms foreshadows His ultimate divine empowerment, not just of a nation, but of all humanity through the Incarnation of His Son. In Christ, God fully entered human weakness to strengthen us, offering perfect obedience where Israel failed. Yet, just as Israel "imagined mischief" against their benefactor, humanity, in its fallen state, ultimately plotted the greatest "mischief" against God Himself by crucifying His Son, the very source of life and salvation ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - The Crucifixion of Jesus")). The cross, however, transforms this ultimate act of human rebellion into the ultimate act of divine love and redemption. Through Christ's sacrifice, God's grace triumphs over human sin, offering forgiveness and true spiritual strengthening to all who believe, enabling us to serve Him with hearts no longer plotting "mischief," but devoted to His glory ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love for Sinners")). In Christ, the true Israel, we see perfect faithfulness, contrasting sharply with the rebellion described in Hosea, and through Him, we are empowered to live lives of gratitude and obedience, fulfilling the very purpose for which God strengthens us ([Philippians 4:13](/philipians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - Strength in Christ")).

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

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.