Hosea 9:13

KJV

Ephraim, as I saw Tyrus, [is] planted in a pleasant place: but Ephraim shall bring forth his children to the murderer.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ephraim {H669}, as I saw {H7200} Tyrus {H6865}, is planted {H8362} in a pleasant place {H5116}: but Ephraim {H669} shall bring forth {H3318} his children {H1121} to the murderer {H2026}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Efrayim, as I see it, is like Tzor, planted in a pleasant place; but Efrayim will bring out his children to the slaughterer.

Berean Standard Bible

I have seen Ephraim, like Tyre, planted in a meadow. But Ephraim will bring out his children for slaughter.

American Standard Version

Ephraim, like as I have seen Tyre, is planted in a pleasant place: but Ephraim shall bring out his children to the slayer.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 9:13 delivers a stark prophetic warning to Ephraim, representing the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The verse opens with a depiction of Ephraim's initially blessed and seemingly secure state, likening it to the powerful and prosperous city of Tyre, which was "planted in a pleasant place." However, this image of divine favor and perceived stability is immediately shattered by a devastating pronouncement: Ephraim, despite its initial blessings, will tragically "bring forth his children to the murderer," signifying a horrific future of national destruction and the loss of its very lineage due to its unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of pronouncements of judgment against Ephraim in Hosea 9. The preceding verses detail Israel's spiritual harlotry, their reliance on foreign alliances instead of God, and their corrupt worship practices, particularly at places like Gilgal and Beth-aven (Bethel). The prophet warns of impending exile, famine, and the cessation of their festivals and sacrifices, all as consequences of their idolatry. Verse 9:13 specifically contrasts Israel's past prosperity and perceived security with the grim reality of their future, serving as a climactic statement of the severe judgment that awaits them, directly linking their sin to the destruction of their future generations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hosea prophesied during the turbulent final decades of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (c. 750-715 BC), a period marked by political instability, assassinations of kings, and a growing Assyrian threat. Culturally, Israel had deeply assimilated Canaanite religious practices, including Baal worship and sacred prostitution, abandoning the covenant fidelity demanded by Yahweh. The comparison to Tyre (Tyrus), a prominent Phoenician city-state known for its immense wealth, maritime power, and strategic fortifications, highlights Israel's misplaced confidence in its own strength and alliances rather than in God. The "murderer" explicitly refers to the foreign invaders, primarily the Assyrians, who would soon conquer Israel, decimate its population, and carry survivors into exile, fulfilling the dire prophecy of children being delivered to slaughter.
* **Key Themes:** Hosea 9:13 encapsulates several overarching themes of the book. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment for Covenant Unfaithfulness**, showing that God's patience has limits and His justice will be enacted against a people who repeatedly break their covenant. The verse also underscores **False Security and Misplaced Trust**, as Ephraim, despite being "planted in a pleasant place" by God's grace, chose to trust in its own strength and idols, leading to its downfall. This contrasts sharply with the true security found only in Yahweh, as seen in passages like [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord"). Finally, the tragic image of children delivered to the murderer emphasizes the theme of **The Devastating Consequences of Sin**, particularly how spiritual apostasy can lead to national ruin and the loss of future generations, a lamentable outcome also echoed in [Lamentations 2:20](/lamentations/2-20 "Lamentations 2:20 - Children Eaten by Mothers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pleasant place (Hebrew, _nâveh'_):** From H5116, this word refers to a dwelling, home, or pasture, often implying a place of rest, beauty, and security. It signifies a desirable and prosperous location. In this context, it highlights the initial blessing and favorable conditions God had provided for Ephraim, making the subsequent judgment all the more tragic by contrasting it with their former state of peace and abundance.
* **bring forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** From H3318, this primitive root means "to go out" or "to bring out/forth." Here, it carries the causative sense of causing children to emerge or be born, but chillingly, it is immediately followed by the destination: "to the murderer." This active verb underscores Ephraim's own role, through their sin, in producing a generation destined for destruction.
* **murderer (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** From H2026, this term denotes one who "smite[s] with deadly intent," to kill or slay. It is not merely a general enemy but a violent, destructive force. The use of this specific term emphasizes the brutal and merciless nature of the impending judgment, where the very offspring, the hope of the nation, would be delivered into the hands of those who would slaughter them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ephraim, as I saw Tyrus, [is] planted in a pleasant place:"** This clause sets up a powerful contrast. "Ephraim" represents the Northern Kingdom of Israel, particularly its dominant tribe. The phrase "as I saw Tyrus" draws a comparison to the ancient Phoenician city of Tyre, renowned for its strategic location, wealth, and perceived impregnability. This suggests that God had established Ephraim in a similarly favored, prosperous, and secure position, a "pleasant place" of divine blessing and fertile land. The imagery of being "planted" implies stability, growth, and divine establishment, highlighting the initial favor God bestowed upon His people.
* **"but Ephraim shall bring forth his children to the murderer."** This second clause dramatically reverses the idyllic image of the first. The conjunction "but" signals a sharp turn from blessing to curse. Despite being "planted in a pleasant place," Ephraim's unfaithfulness will lead to a horrific outcome: they will "bring forth his children to the murderer." This is a terrifying prophecy of utter devastation, where the very future of the nation—its children—will be delivered into the hands of a violent enemy (the Assyrians), signifying not just death but the complete eradication of their lineage and national hope. It implies that their sin will lead to a societal collapse so profound that it directly results in the slaughter of their offspring.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 9:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Juxtaposition** is central, creating a sharp contrast between the initial image of Ephraim "planted in a pleasant place"—a picture of prosperity, security, and divine favor—and the horrifying reality of "bring[ing] forth his children to the murderer." This stark opposition amplifies the tragedy of Israel's fall. **Simile** is used in "as I saw Tyrus," comparing Ephraim's perceived strength and favorable position to that of the mighty Phoenician city, highlighting their misplaced confidence. **Symbolism** is also evident: "Tyrus" symbolizes worldly power and self-sufficiency, while "children" symbolize the nation's future and continuity. The act of "bringing forth children to the murderer" is a powerful **metaphor** for the self-destructive consequences of Israel's apostasy, where their own actions lead to the demise of their future generations. The verse's concise and impactful phrasing also lends it a **prophetic lament** tone, expressing deep sorrow over the impending doom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 9:13 serves as a profound theological statement on the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. It reveals God's justice in holding His people accountable for their spiritual apostasy, demonstrating that divine blessing is conditional upon obedience. The verse underscores the tragic reality that a nation's sin can lead to the destruction of its most precious asset—its children—and the loss of its future. It challenges the notion of inherent security based on geographical location or past blessings, emphasizing that true security lies solely in faithful relationship with God. This passage reminds us that God is sovereign over the destinies of nations, and His judgments, though severe, are righteous responses to persistent rebellion against His holy character and His covenant demands.

* [Deuteronomy 28:53](/deuteronomy/28-53 "Deuteronomy 28:53 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 19:9](/jeremiah/19-9 "Jeremiah 19:9 - The Desolation of Topheth")
* [Matthew 23:37-38](/matthew/23-37-38 "Matthew 23:37-38 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 9:13 offers a sobering mirror for individuals and nations today. It challenges us to examine where we place our trust and security. Do we rely on our material prosperity, strategic advantages, or perceived invincibility, much like Ephraim trusted in its "pleasant place" and the example of Tyre? Or do we place our ultimate reliance and hope in God alone? The tragic outcome for Ephraim—delivering their children to the murderer—serves as a stark warning that spiritual rebellion and covenant unfaithfulness have devastating, generational consequences. It reminds us that our choices impact not only ourselves but also those who come after us. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep, unwavering faithfulness to God, to prioritize His commands above worldly allurements, and to understand that true flourishing and lasting security are found only in Him. It compels us to consider the spiritual legacy we are building for future generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "pleasant places" (areas of perceived security, prosperity, or strength) might I be placing my trust instead of fully relying on God?**
* **How might my spiritual choices today impact the "children" (future generations, spiritual descendants, or even the future of my community/nation)?**
* **What idols or worldly securities might I be clinging to that could ultimately lead to spiritual "murder" or destruction in my life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the comparison between Ephraim and Tyrus (Tyre)?**

Answer: The comparison between Ephraim and Tyrus (Tyre) is highly significant because it highlights Israel's misplaced confidence and the deceptive nature of worldly security. Tyre was a powerful, wealthy Phoenician city-state, renowned for its strategic location, commercial strength, and seemingly impregnable fortifications. By likening Ephraim to Tyre, Hosea implies that Israel, too, enjoyed a position of divine favor and perceived stability, being "planted in a pleasant place" by God's grace. However, just as Tyre, despite its might, faced divine judgment for its pride and wickedness (as prophesied in [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre")), so too would Israel. The comparison serves as an ironic indictment: Israel, God's chosen people, had become like a pagan nation, trusting in its own strength and prosperity rather than in the Lord, and would therefore share a similar fate of judgment and destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 9:13, with its grim prophecy of Ephraim bringing forth children to the murderer, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the redemptive work of Jesus, who delivers humanity from the spiritual "murderer" and offers true, everlasting security. While Ephraim's unfaithfulness led to the physical destruction of their offspring by an earthly enemy, humanity's sin leads to spiritual death and eternal separation from God, a fate orchestrated by the ultimate "murderer," Satan, who "was a murderer from the beginning" ([John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - You are of your father the devil")). Jesus, however, came not to bring children to destruction but to gather them under His protective wings, lamenting over Jerusalem's refusal to be gathered ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")). He is the true "pleasant place," the secure dwelling where believers are "planted" in Him and find abundant life, not death ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - I am the Vine, you are the Branches")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ disarmed the powers of darkness and delivered those who were held in slavery by the fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Thus, in Christ, the tragic fate of Ephraim is reversed for all who believe, as He brings forth children not to the murderer, but to eternal life and adoption into God's family ([Galatians 4:4-7](/galatians/4-4-7 "Galatians 4:4-7 - Adoption as Sons")).

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

Ezekiel 27:3

And say unto Tyrus, O thou that art situate at the entry of the sea, [which art] a merchant of the people for many isles, Thus saith the Lord GOD; O Tyrus, thou hast said, I [am] of perfect beauty.

Ezekiel 26:1

¶ And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first [day] of the month, [that] the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 26:21

I will make thee a terror, and thou [shalt be] no [more]: though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again, saith the Lord GOD.

Amos 7:17

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land.

Jeremiah 9:21

For death is come up into our windows, [and] is entered into our palaces, to cut off the children from without, [and] the young men from the streets.

Hosea 10:14

Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be spoiled, as Shalman spoiled Betharbel in the day of battle: the mother was dashed in pieces upon [her] children.

Hosea 9:16

Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay [even] the beloved [fruit] of their womb.