Hosea 9:15

KJV

All their wickedness [is] in Gilgal: for there I hated them: for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of mine house, I will love them no more: all their princes [are] revolters.

KJV (with Strong's)

All their wickedness {H7451} is in Gilgal {H1537}: for there I hated {H8130} them: for the wickedness {H7455} of their doings {H4611} I will drive them out {H1644} of mine house {H1004}, I will love {H160} them no more {H3254}: all their princes {H8269} are revolters {H5637}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"All their wickedness was already there in Gilgal; that's where I came to hate them. Because of the wickedness of their deeds I will expel them from my house, I will love them no more; all their leaders are rebels.

Berean Standard Bible

All their evil appears at Gilgal, for there I hated them. I will drive them from My house for the wickedness of their deeds. I will no longer love them; all their leaders are rebellious.

American Standard Version

All their wickedness is in Gilgal; for there I hated them: because of the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of my house; I will love them no more; all their princes are revolters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 9:15 delivers a severe prophetic indictment against the northern kingdom of Israel, pinpointing Gilgal as a central locus of their profound spiritual depravity and rebellion. God declares His judicial hatred for their persistent wickedness, announcing His intention to expel them from the land He had given them, withdraw His covenantal love, and expose the widespread corruption among their leaders, who are characterized as defiant revolters against His divine authority. This verse encapsulates the dire consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness and serves as a stark warning of impending judgment and exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 9 is a chapter steeped in judgment, directly following Hosea 8's condemnation of Israel's idolatry, political instability, and covenant breaking. This specific verse, Hosea 9:15, intensifies the prophetic pronouncements of divine wrath. The preceding verses (9:10-14) lament Israel's moral decay, likening their apostasy to the sin at Baal-Peor and predicting barrenness and loss of children as a consequence. Verse 15 then zeroes in on Gilgal as a historical and contemporary site of their egregious sin, setting the stage for further declarations of exile and the cessation of their religious festivals (9:16-17), emphasizing that their unfaithfulness has severed their relationship with God and will lead to their ultimate dispersion among the nations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Hosea ministered to the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) during the turbulent 8th century BC, a period marked by political instability, assassinations, and a pervasive syncretism where Yahweh worship was mixed with Canaanite Baal worship. Gilgal, mentioned in this verse, held immense historical significance for Israel. It was the first encampment after crossing the Jordan River, where the Israelites were circumcised, celebrated the first Passover in the land, and renewed their covenant with God under Joshua's leadership (e.g., [Joshua 5](/joshua/5 "Joshua 5 - Israel's Renewal at Gilgal")). Later, it was a significant center for Samuel's ministry and a place where kingship was established (e.g., [1 Samuel 11:14-15](/1_samuel/11-14-15 "1 Samuel 11:14-15 - Saul Confirmed as King at Gilgal")). However, by Hosea's time, Gilgal had become notorious for idolatry, false worship, and the proliferation of cultic prostitution, transforming a place of sacred remembrance into a hub of spiritual rebellion, symbolizing Israel's profound departure from their covenant obligations.
* **Key Themes:** Hosea 9:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Hosea. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Covenant Unfaithfulness and Apostasy**, illustrating how Israel's persistent idolatry and moral corruption, epitomized by their actions in Gilgal, constituted a grave breach of their covenant with Yahweh. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, demonstrating God's righteous response to sin, where His "hatred" signifies a judicial pronouncement of disfavor and the "driving out" represents the impending exile as a just consequence. Thirdly, the verse touches upon the **Corruption of Leadership**, revealing that even the "princes" were "revolters," indicating a systemic spiritual decay from the top down, a theme echoed in other prophetic books condemning unjust rulers (e.g., [Isaiah 1:23](/isaiah/1-23 "Isaiah 1:23 - Corrupt Leaders")). Finally, the statement "I will love them no more" powerfully conveys the theme of the **Withdrawal of Covenantal Blessing**, signaling the cessation of God's special protective presence and provision due to Israel's persistent rebellion, though Hosea also contains promises of future restoration rooted in God's enduring steadfast love (e.g., [Hosea 11:8-9](/hosea/11-8-9 "Hosea 11:8-9 - God's Enduring Compassion")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wickedness (Hebrew, _raʻ'_ - H7451):** This term refers to evil in its broadest sense, encompassing moral depravity, spiritual corruption, and actions that are harmful or displeasing to God. In Hosea 9:15, it denotes the comprehensive nature of Israel's sin, particularly their idolatry and unfaithfulness, which had permeated every aspect of their national life and was concentrated in places like Gilgal.
* **Hated (Hebrew, _sânêʼ'_ - H8130):** This is a strong, covenantal term, often used in a legal or judicial context rather than purely emotional. When God declares He "hated" Israel in Gilgal, it signifies a decisive, righteous rejection and disfavor due to their egregious breach of covenant. It is a declaration of divine opposition to their sin, leading to a severance of the relationship, not an arbitrary emotional dislike.
* **Drive out (Hebrew, _gârash'_ - H1644):** This verb signifies expulsion, often from a possession or land, and can also imply divorce. Here, it prophetically announces Israel's impending exile from the land of Canaan, which was considered God's "house" or dwelling place among His people. It underscores the severity of the judgment, akin to a legal eviction or a wife being cast out due to unfaithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All their wickedness [is] in Gilgal":** This clause emphatically identifies Gilgal, a place once sacred to Israel's history of covenant renewal, as the epicenter and symbol of their pervasive moral and spiritual corruption. It suggests that their idolatry and rebellion had reached a peak there, making it a focal point of God's righteous indignation.
* **"for there I hated them":** This phrase explains the divine response to the wickedness in Gilgal. God's "hatred" is a judicial pronouncement of utter rejection and disfavor, a righteous opposition to their persistent sin and covenant breaking. It signifies a decisive turning away from His people in judgment, specifically because of the abominations committed in that place.
* **"for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of mine house":** This part reiterates the reason for judgment ("the wickedness of their doings") and declares the primary consequence: expulsion. "Mine house" refers to the land of Israel, the Promised Land where God had established His dwelling among His people. This is a prophetic announcement of their impending exile, a literal removal from the land due to their unfaithfulness, fulfilling the curses of the Mosaic covenant.
* **"I will love them no more":** This powerful statement signifies the cessation of God's special covenantal favor, protection, and blessing. While God's ultimate nature is love, His covenant love for Israel was conditional upon their faithfulness. This phrase implies a withdrawal of His active, benevolent presence and and provision, a direct and severe consequence of their persistent rebellion against the Lord.
* **"all their princes [are] revolters":** This final clause highlights the systemic nature of Israel's corruption, extending to the highest echelons of leadership. The "princes," who should have guided the people in righteousness, were themselves "revolters" or rebels against God's law and authority. This widespread spiritual and moral decay, from the common people to their rulers, indicated a complete societal breakdown and justified the comprehensive judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 9:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. **Symbolism** is prominent, with "Gilgal" serving as a powerful symbol. Once a place of covenant renewal and spiritual beginnings for Israel, it has tragically become a symbol of their profound apostasy and the epicenter of their wickedness, illustrating the depth of their fall. The phrase "mine house" is also **symbolic**, representing the land of Israel as God's dwelling place among His people, from which they are now to be expelled. The declaration "I hated them" and "I will love them no more" are examples of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human emotions and relational actions to God to express His righteous indignation and the judicial withdrawal of His covenant favor. The repetition of "wickedness" (**raʻ** and **rôaʻ**) emphasizes the pervasive and deeply rooted nature of Israel's sin, underscoring that their actions were the direct cause of God's severe response. The entire verse functions as a pronouncement of **Divine Judgment**, delivered with stark, declarative language that leaves no doubt about the severity of the consequences for Israel's persistent rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 9:15 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's justice, the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness, and the gravity of apostasy. It reveals a God who, despite His steadfast love, is also perfectly holy and just, unable to tolerate persistent, unrepentant sin within His covenant people. His "hatred" is not an emotional outburst but a righteous, judicial opposition to evil, leading to the withdrawal of His blessings and the execution of covenant curses, such as exile. This verse underscores that while God's character is unchanging, His active favor and presence with His people are contingent upon their obedience and faithfulness to His covenant. The corruption of leadership further highlights that spiritual decay often permeates all levels of society, making the entire nation accountable for its rebellion.

* [Deuteronomy 28:63-64](/deuteronomy/28-63-64 "Deuteronomy 28:63-64 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Scattering Among the Nations")
* [Jeremiah 7:15](/jeremiah/7-15 "Jeremiah 7:15 - Expulsion from God's Presence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 9:15 serves as a sobering mirror for believers today, prompting us to examine the state of our own hearts and the spiritual health of our communities. It reminds us that places once consecrated to God can become centers of spiritual decay if we allow sin, idolatry, and unfaithfulness to take root. This passage calls us to a vigilant self-examination, asking whether our "doings" are truly pleasing to God or if we, like ancient Israel, are harboring "wickedness" in our lives. It challenges the notion that God's love is a blanket approval of all behavior, highlighting that while His grace is boundless, persistent, unrepentant rebellion can lead to a withdrawal of His active blessing and a sense of His disfavor, even for those who claim His name. Furthermore, it underscores the critical importance of righteous leadership, urging us to pray for and hold accountable those in positions of spiritual authority, ensuring they are not "revolters" but faithful stewards of God's truth. Ultimately, this verse is a powerful call to humility, repentance, and a renewed commitment to wholehearted obedience and faithfulness to the Lord, lest we experience the painful consequences of spiritual drift.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "Gilgals" of my life, places or areas once dedicated to God, might wickedness or unfaithfulness be subtly taking root today?**
* **How does my understanding of God's "hatred" for sin inform my personal pursuit of holiness and my view of His justice?**
* **Am I, or are the leaders I follow, truly faithful to God's covenant, or are there elements of "revolt" in our hearts or practices?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my "doings" are aligned with God's will, preventing a withdrawal of His active blessing in my life?**

### FAQ

**Does God truly "hate" people, or is this a figure of speech?**

Answer: The term "hated" (Hebrew, _sânêʼ_) in Hosea 9:15, when applied to God's relationship with Israel, is not an emotional outburst of personal dislike in the human sense. Instead, it is a strong, judicial, or covenantal term signifying a righteous rejection and disfavor due to Israel's severe and persistent breach of their covenant with Him. It expresses God's absolute opposition to their wickedness, idolatry, and rebellion. In a covenant context, to "love" often means to choose and enter into a relationship with, while to "hate" means to reject or disinherit due to unfaithfulness. God's character is fundamentally love ([1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God Is Love")), but His holiness demands that He actively oppose and judge sin. Therefore, His "hatred" here is a declaration of righteous judgment against their actions and their status as a rebellious nation, leading to the consequences outlined in the verse.

**What does "drive them out of mine house" mean for ancient Israel, and what is its spiritual significance for us today?**

Answer: For ancient Israel, "mine house" primarily refers to the land of Canaan, the Promised Land, which God had given them as their inheritance and where He had established His presence among them. To "drive them out" was a prophetic declaration of their impending exile, specifically to Assyria, as punishment for their covenant unfaithfulness. This was the ultimate curse for disobedience outlined in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Scattering Among the Nations")). Spiritually, it signifies the loss of God's protective presence, blessings, and their privileged status as His chosen people in the land. For believers today, while we are not under the Old Covenant's land promises, the principle remains: persistent, unrepentant sin can lead to a sense of spiritual distance from God, a withdrawal of His active blessing, and a loss of the joy and peace of His presence, even though our salvation in Christ is secure. It's a call to maintain a close, obedient walk with God to remain in the sphere of His favor and blessing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 9:15, with its stark pronouncements of divine judgment, the withdrawal of covenantal love, and the expulsion from God's "house" due to Israel's wickedness and rebellious princes, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Jesus Christ perfectly embodies the obedient Son, contrasting sharply with Israel's rebellion. Where Israel failed to be a faithful "house" for God, Christ declares Himself to be the true temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity (e.g., [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as the Temple")). The "wickedness" that provoked God's "hatred" and judgment against Israel was fully borne by Christ on the cross. He became sin for us, absorbing the divine wrath and the curse of the law, so that those who believe might be reconciled to God and not be "driven out" (e.g., [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us") and [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Furthermore, the New Covenant established through Christ's blood replaces the conditional Old Covenant, ensuring that God's love for His people, the Church, is no longer based on their perfect obedience but on His unconditional grace and Christ's perfect righteousness (e.g., [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant")). Through Christ, believers are not "loved no more" but are eternally adopted into God's family, becoming living stones in His spiritual house (e.g., [1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4-5 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones in God's Spiritual House")), and are promised an enduring inheritance that cannot be lost or "driven out" (e.g., [1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3-5 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). Christ, the true Prince of Peace and King of kings, stands in stark contrast to Israel's "revolting princes," offering perfect leadership and eternal salvation to all who come to Him.

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

Hosea 4:15

Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, [yet] let not Judah offend; and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Bethaven, nor swear, The LORD liveth.

Hosea 12:11

[Is there] iniquity [in] Gilead? surely they are vanity: they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars [are] as heaps in the furrows of the fields.

Isaiah 1:23

Thy princes [are] rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.

Amos 5:5

But seek not Bethel, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beersheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nought.

1 Samuel 7:16

And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places.

Joshua 4:19

And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth [day] of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.

Joshua 4:24

That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it [is] mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.