Hosea 7:5

KJV

In the day of our king the princes have made [him] sick with bottles of wine; he stretched out his hand with scorners.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the day {H3117} of our king {H4428} the princes {H8269} have made him sick {H2470} with bottles {H2534} of wine {H3196}; he stretched out {H4900} his hand {H3027} with scorners {H3945}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"On their king's special day the leaders inflame him with wine, and he joins hands with scorners,

Berean Standard Bible

The princes are inflamed with wine on the day of our king; so he joins hands with those who mock him.

American Standard Version

On the day of our king the princes made themselves sick with the heat of wine; he stretched out his hand with scoffers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 7:5 vividly portrays the profound moral and spiritual decay within the Northern Kingdom of Israel's leadership, specifically during a royal celebration. The verse exposes the king and his princes as indulging in excessive drunkenness and ungodly alliances, revealing a leadership debilitated by self-indulgence and a disregard for divine wisdom. This scene serves as a stark metaphor for the nation's broader spiritual sickness and its impending judgment due to pervasive corruption and a turning away from God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 7:5 is situated within a broader prophetic indictment of Israel's pervasive sin and spiritual apostasy, particularly focusing on the nation's internal corruption and political instability. Chapters 7 and 8 detail the various forms of Israel's unfaithfulness, including idolatry, reliance on foreign alliances, and the moral bankruptcy of its leaders. The preceding verses in [Hosea 7](/hosea/7 "Hosea 7 - Israel's Deep Corruption") describe Israel's internal "heat" of lust and rebellion, likening them to a heated oven, constantly burning with sin. This specific verse highlights how this internal corruption manifests at the highest levels of society, demonstrating that the rot begins from the top, influencing the entire nation's trajectory towards divine judgment and exile.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Hosea's prophecy (8th century BCE) was one of intense political turmoil for the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Following the death of Jeroboam II, a succession of weak and short-lived kings ascended to the throne, often through violent coups. This instability led to a desperate search for security through alliances with powerful nations like Assyria and Egypt, rather than relying on God. Royal festivals, like the "day of our king" mentioned here, were common in the ancient Near East, often involving lavish banquets and revelry. However, in Israel, such celebrations had devolved into opportunities for excessive indulgence and moral compromise, reflecting the nation's broader spiritual departure from the covenant. The "scorners" likely refer to those who openly mocked divine law and wisdom, possibly foreign dignitaries, or even Israelite elites who had embraced pagan practices and a cynical worldview.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Hosea. First, it underscores the theme of **corrupt leadership**, showing how those entrusted with governing God's people have become the very embodiment of the nation's sin, leading Israel astray from its covenant obligations. The king and princes, meant to be shepherds, are instead depicted as indulging in debilitating excess, a stark contrast to the righteous leadership God desires (cf. [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14-20 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Laws Concerning Kingship")). Second, the verse highlights the pervasive **spiritual sickness** of Israel, where physical drunkenness serves as a potent metaphor for the nation's spiritual stupor and moral decay. This spiritual malaise is so profound that Israel is depicted as unable to return to God, despite His persistent calls for repentance throughout [the book of Hosea](/hosea/1 "The Book of Hosea - God's Unfailing Love and Israel's Unfaithfulness"). Finally, the association with "scorners" emphasizes the theme of **ungodly alliances and influences**, whether political or social, that further compromise Israel's distinct identity as God's chosen people and accelerate its path towards judgment. This rejection of divine wisdom for worldly counsel is a recurring prophetic concern, echoing the warnings found in [Psalm 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sick (Hebrew, _châlâh'_ H2470):** A primitive root meaning "to be rubbed or worn," and figuratively, "to be weak, sick, afflicted." It can also mean "to grieve" or "make sick" in a causative sense. In Hosea 7:5, the princes "made him sick," implying they caused the king to become weak, ill, or morally debilitated through their excessive revelry and the intoxicating effects of wine. This "sickness" is not merely physical but also deeply moral and spiritual, rendering the king unfit to rule.
* **bottles (Hebrew, _chêmâh'_ H2534):** This word primarily means "heat," and figuratively "anger" or "poison" (from its fever). While the KJV translates it as "bottles," the Hebrew term itself refers to the *feverish heat, intoxicating effect, or even the poisonous rage* that comes from excessive wine consumption, rather than the physical containers. The princes made the king sick *with* the intense, debilitating, and morally corrupting influence of wine, which is likened to a fever or poison.
* **stretched out (Hebrew, _mâshak'_ H4900):** A primitive root meaning "to draw," "prolong," "extend," or "scatter." Here, it describes the king's action of extending his hand, signifying an act of fellowship, greeting, or perhaps even a gesture of shared indulgence. The act of "stretching out his hand" implies a deliberate and active participation in the company of the scorners, solidifying his association with them.
* **scorners (Hebrew, _lâtsats'_ H3945):** A primitive root meaning "to deride" or "scorn." The noun form (lēṣîm) refers to those who mock, scoff at, or despise wisdom, righteousness, and divine instruction. They are characterized by arrogance and a cynical disregard for moral boundaries. The king's association with such individuals signifies his embrace of their ungodly worldview and his rejection of the path of wisdom and integrity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the day of our king":** This phrase sets the scene, indicating a specific occasion, likely a royal festival, birthday, or coronation anniversary. Such events were meant to be times of national celebration and unity, but Hosea reveals how they had become opportunities for debauchery and moral decay, highlighting the stark contrast between outward appearance and inward corruption.
* **"the princes have made [him] sick with bottles of wine":** This clause reveals the corrupting influence of the king's inner circle. The princes, who should have been wise counselors, instead facilitated the king's moral and physical decline through excessive drinking. As noted in the Key Word Analysis, "sick" (châlâh) denotes a state of weakness and moral debilitation, while "bottles of wine" (chêmâh) refers to the feverish, poisonous, and intoxicating effects of the wine itself, which rendered the king spiritually and physically incapable of righteous rule. This signifies the king's loss of self-control and the princes' complicity in his downfall.
* **"he stretched out his hand with scorners":** This final clause underscores the king's active participation in ungodly company. The gesture of "stretching out his hand" implies a willing embrace of fellowship, alliance, or shared revelry with "scorners." These are individuals who openly mock divine truth and moral standards. By aligning himself with such people, the king demonstrates his own disregard for God's ways and his preference for worldly, unprincipled associations, further cementing his moral compromise and the nation's spiritual apostasy.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 7:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Metaphor** is central, as the physical "sickness" induced by wine serves as a powerful metaphor for the moral and spiritual decay plaguing the king and, by extension, the entire nation of Israel. The intoxicating effects of wine symbolize the blinding and debilitating nature of sin. **Symbolism** is also evident in the "bottles of wine" (or more accurately, the "heat/poison" of wine), which represent not just physical indulgence but the destructive power of unbridled passion and idolatry that had consumed Israel. The "scorners" are symbolic of those who reject God's wisdom and mock righteousness, representing the ungodly influences the king willingly embraced. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Irony** in the scene: a "day of our king," which should be a time of national strength and divine blessing, is instead depicted as a moment of profound weakness, moral collapse, and ungodly alliance, foreshadowing the nation's impending doom rather than its prosperity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 7:5 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of leadership, the consequences of sin, and God's unwavering moral standards. It reveals that true leadership is rooted in righteousness and wisdom, not in self-indulgence or ungodly alliances. When leaders succumb to corruption, they not only debase themselves but also lead their entire nation astray, inviting divine judgment. The verse underscores the destructive power of intemperance and the critical importance of choosing one's associations wisely, as fellowship with those who mock God's truth inevitably compromises one's integrity and spiritual well-being. Ultimately, it highlights Israel's deep spiritual sickness, a condition that necessitated God's severe but redemptive discipline, demonstrating His commitment to justice and His persistent call for His people to return to Him.

* [Proverbs 20:1](/proverbs/20-1 "Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a Mocker")
* [Psalm 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man's Path")
* [Isaiah 5:11-12](/isaiah/5-11-12 "Isaiah 5:11-12 - Woe to Those Who Chase Drink")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 7:5 offers timeless warnings for both leaders and individuals in any generation. For those in positions of authority, it is a stark reminder of the immense responsibility they bear, not only for their own conduct but also for the moral climate they foster. Leaders are called to sobriety, integrity, and a commitment to righteous principles, understanding that their choices have far-reaching consequences for those they govern. For every individual, this verse underscores the dangers of excess and the importance of self-control in all areas of life, particularly concerning intoxicating pleasures that can dull spiritual discernment and lead to moral compromise. Furthermore, it highlights the critical impact of our associations; aligning ourselves with "scorners"—those who reject truth and mock righteousness—can subtly but powerfully draw us away from God's path and into spiritual peril. This verse calls us to cultivate spiritual health, to be discerning in our relationships, and to continually seek God's wisdom rather than succumbing to the fleeting allure of worldly indulgence or ungodly counsel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might the "sickness" described in Hosea 7:5 manifest in modern leadership, beyond literal drunkenness?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals, "stretch out our hand with scorners" in our contemporary culture, and what are the spiritual dangers of such associations?**
* **What practical steps can we take to cultivate self-control and spiritual discernment in areas where we might be tempted by excess or ungodly influences?**
* **How can we pray for our leaders to embody the opposite of the corruption seen in Hosea 7:5, seeking wisdom and righteousness instead of self-indulgence?**

### FAQ

**What does "sick with bottles of wine" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The KJV translation "bottles of wine" for the Hebrew `chêmâh` (H2534) is an interpretation. The Hebrew word itself literally means "heat," and figuratively, "anger," or "poison" (from its fever). So, the phrase more accurately conveys that the king was made "sick with the feverish heat" or "poisonous effects" of wine. This implies a state of debilitating intoxication, where the wine's powerful, almost feverish, influence rendered the king morally and physically incapacitated. It's not just about the containers, but the destructive, intoxicating power of the drink itself, leading to a profound spiritual and physical malaise.

**Who are the "scorners" the king associates with?**

Answer: The "scorners" (Hebrew: `lâtsats`, H3945) refer to those who are arrogant, scoff at divine truth, mock wisdom, and disregard moral boundaries. In the context of ancient Israel, these could be cynical members of the court, foreign dignitaries who influenced the king towards pagan practices, or even Israelites who had fully embraced a worldly, ungodly worldview. The king's act of "stretching out his hand" to them signifies a willing alliance, fellowship, or shared revelry with those who openly defied God's ways, further illustrating his departure from righteous leadership and his embrace of ungodly influences, as warned against in [Psalm 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man's Path").

**What was the "day of our king" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "day of our king" likely refers to a significant royal occasion, such as the king's birthday, a coronation anniversary, or a national festival. These were typically times of public celebration and feasting. However, Hosea reveals that for Israel, such occasions had become opportunities for excessive indulgence, moral decay, and the display of corrupt leadership, symptomatic of the nation's spiritual decline. Instead of being a day of honor and righteous governance, it became a day exposing the king's and his princes' profound spiritual sickness and ungodly alliances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 7:5, with its depiction of a king and princes debilitated by wine and allied with scorners, powerfully foreshadows humanity's desperate need for a perfect, righteous King. Earthly kings like those in Israel repeatedly failed, succumbing to sin, self-indulgence, and ungodly counsel, leading their people astray and into judgment. This brokenness points to Jesus Christ, the true [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"). Unlike the Israelite king who was "made sick" by wine, Jesus perfectly resisted temptation, demonstrating absolute self-control and purity (cf. [Luke 4:1-13](/luke/4-1-13 "Luke 4:1-13 - The Temptation of Jesus")). While the king "stretched out his hand with scorners," aligning with those who mocked righteousness, Jesus was indeed mocked and scorned by humanity (cf. [Matthew 27:27-31](/matthew/27-27-31 "Matthew 27:27-31 - Jesus Mocked by Soldiers")), yet He never joined them in their sin. Instead, He stretched out His hands on the cross, not in fellowship with scorners, but in sacrificial love for them, taking upon Himself the "sickness" of humanity's sin (cf. [Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - The Suffering Servant")). He is the divine Physician who came to heal our spiritual sickness, offering true life and eternal sobriety, establishing a kingdom of righteousness that will never be overthrown by human corruption or ungodly alliances (cf. [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")).

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

Isaiah 28:1

¶ Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty [is] a fading flower, which [are] on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine!

Proverbs 13:20

¶ He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Habakkuk 2:15

¶ Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to [him], and makest [him] drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!

Habakkuk 2:16

Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the LORD'S right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing [shall be] on thy glory.

Daniel 5:1

¶ Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.

Daniel 5:4

They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.

Matthew 14:6

But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.