Hosea 8:13

They sacrifice flesh [for] the sacrifices of mine offerings, and eat [it; but] the LORD accepteth them not; now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins: they shall return to Egypt.

They sacrifice {H2076} flesh {H1320} for the sacrifices {H2077} of mine offerings {H1890}, and eat {H398} it; but the LORD {H3068} accepteth {H7521} them not; now will he remember {H2142} their iniquity {H5771}, and visit {H6485} their sins {H2403}: they shall return {H7725} to Egypt {H4714}.

They offer me sacrifices of flesh and eat them, but ADONAI does not accept them. Now he will recall their crimes and punish their sins - they will return to Egypt.

Though they offer sacrifices as gifts to Me, and though they eat the meat, the LORD does not accept them. Now He will remember their iniquity and punish their sins: They will return to Egypt.

As for the sacrifices of mine offerings, they sacrifice flesh and eat it; but Jehovah accepteth them not: now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins; they shall return to Egypt.

Hosea 8:13 delivers a powerful indictment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) for their spiritual apostasy and insincere worship, despite maintaining outward religious rituals.

Context

This verse is part of Hosea's larger prophetic message condemning Israel's departure from the covenant with God. They had embraced idolatry, formed unholy political alliances, and their worship had become a mere formality, devoid of true devotion. They offered sacrifices, but not according to God's heart or intention. This passage specifically highlights how their religious practices were polluted by their overall rebellion, leading to God's rejection and the promise of judgment.

Key Themes

  • Insincere Worship: The core issue is that while they performed the act of sacrificing, their hearts were far from God. Their offerings were for their own purposes, perhaps to appease or to maintain a facade of piety, rather than genuine repentance or thanksgiving. God sees beyond the ritual to the heart's condition, emphasizing that God desires obedience and a contrite spirit more than ritualistic offerings.
  • God's Rejection of Corrupted Offerings: Despite the outward appearance of religious observance, God explicitly states, "the LORD accepteth them not." Their sacrifices were defiled by their unfaithfulness and idolatry, rendering them unacceptable in His sight. This underscores the principle that outward actions without inward devotion are meaningless to God.
  • Divine Judgment and Accountability: The phrase "now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins" signifies God's impending judgment. His patience has a limit, and their persistent rebellion will lead to severe consequences. God's "remembering" is not forgetfulness, but an active recalling of their transgressions to bring about justice.
  • Return to Egypt (Bondage): "They shall return to Egypt" is a stark prophecy. Having been miraculously delivered from physical slavery in Egypt, their spiritual and moral decline would lead them back to a state of oppression, likely through Assyrian or Babylonian captivity, which was akin to a new form of bondage. This highlights the severe consequences of breaking God's covenant and rejecting His deliverance.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrasing, "They sacrifice flesh [for] the sacrifices of mine offerings," subtly suggests that their focus was on the "flesh" (the material act, the consumption, the outward show) rather than the "offerings of mine" (God's prescribed purpose and holiness). The emphasis is on *their* practice, not God's pleasure or His commands. The "return to Egypt" is a powerful and ironic metaphor; while some Israelites may have literally sought refuge there, it primarily symbolizes a reversal of God's redemptive work, leading them back into a condition of slavery and spiritual darkness from which God had originally freed them.

Practical Application

Hosea 8:13 serves as a timeless warning about the dangers of religious hypocrisy and superficial faith. It reminds us that God values sincerity and devotion over mere outward show or ritualistic observance. True worship must come from a heart submitted to Him, reflecting genuine love and obedience. Failing to do so, and persisting in sin, can lead to spiritual bondage and judgment, even for those who claim to be God's people. We are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service.

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.

  • Hosea 9:6

    For, lo, they are gone because of destruction: Egypt shall gather them up, Memphis shall bury them: the pleasant [places] for their silver, nettles shall possess them: thorns [shall be] in their tabernacles.

  • Hosea 9:9

    They have deeply corrupted [themselves], as in the days of Gibeah: [therefore] he will remember their iniquity, he will visit their sins.

  • Amos 8:7

    The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.

  • Hosea 11:5

    He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return.

  • Amos 5:22

    Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept [them]: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.

  • Hosea 5:6

    They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find [him]; he hath withdrawn himself from them.

  • Hosea 9:3

    They shall not dwell in the LORD'S land; but Ephraim shall return to Egypt, and they shall eat unclean [things] in Assyria.

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