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.

They have deeply {H6009} corrupted {H7843} themselves, as in the days {H3117} of Gibeah {H1390}: therefore he will remember {H2142} their iniquity {H5771}, he will visit {H6485} their sins {H2403}.

They have deeply corrupted themselves, as in the days of Giv'ah. He will remember their guilt, and he will punish their sins.

They have deeply corrupted themselves as in the days of Gibeah; He will remember their guilt; He will punish their sins.

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

Commentary

Hosea 9:9 powerfully condemns the profound moral and spiritual decay of Israel, specifically the Northern Kingdom, drawing a stark parallel to one of the darkest periods in their history.

Context

The prophet Hosea delivered his messages during a time of immense political instability and spiritual decline in Israel, preceding its eventual conquest by Assyria. The nation had strayed far from its covenant with God, engaging in idolatry, social injustice, and widespread immorality. This verse specifically references the "days of Gibeah," a notorious event detailed in the book of Judges (Judges 19:22). The incident at Gibeah involved extreme depravity, sexual violence, and led to a devastating civil war among the tribes of Israel, illustrating a complete breakdown of moral order when "every man did that which was right in his own eyes." By comparing Israel's current state to Gibeah, Hosea underscores the severity and depth of their corruption in God's sight.

Key Themes

  • Profound Corruption: The phrase "They have deeply corrupted [themselves]" indicates a pervasive and ingrained wickedness, not merely isolated acts of sin. It suggests a systemic moral decay that had permeated the very fabric of society.
  • Divine Remembrance of Sin: When God "will remember their iniquity," it signifies more than just recalling past transgressions. In biblical terms, God remembering often means He is about to act decisively in response to what He remembers. This is a divine declaration of impending judgment, not forgetfulness (Amos 8:7).
  • Inevitable Judgment: "He will visit their sins" reinforces the certainty of divine retribution. The word "visit" (Hebrew: paqad) in this context implies a visitation for the purpose of inspection, accounting, and punishment, signifying that God's justice will not be delayed indefinitely (Exodus 32:34).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "corrupted" (shaḥath) carries a strong sense of ruin, decay, and acting destructively. It emphasizes the profound moral deterioration of the people. The terms "remember" (zakar) and "visit" (paqad) are crucial. Zakar, when applied to God in relation to sin, means active intervention based on past deeds, often leading to judgment. Paqad here indicates God's active engagement with their sin, leading to accountability and consequences.

Practical Application

Hosea 9:9 serves as a timeless warning that spiritual and moral corruption, especially when it becomes deeply ingrained, will inevitably lead to divine judgment. It reminds us that God is just and does not overlook persistent sin, whether in individuals or nations. The verse calls believers to self-examination, urging us to avoid the kind of pervasive moral decay that characterized ancient Israel. It underscores the importance of a genuine relationship with God, living by His standards, and pursuing righteousness to avoid the severe consequences of unrepentant sin.

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Cross-References

  • Hosea 10:9 (7 votes)

    ¶ O Israel, thou hast sinned from the days of Gibeah: there they stood: the battle in Gibeah against the children of iniquity did not overtake them.

  • Judges 19:16 (5 votes)

    ¶ And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even, which [was] also of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah: but the men of the place [were] Benjamites.

  • Judges 20:21 (5 votes)

    And the children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibeah, and destroyed down to the ground of the Israelites that day twenty and two thousand men.

  • Hosea 8:13 (4 votes)

    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.

  • Isaiah 31:6 (3 votes)

    ¶ Turn ye unto [him from] whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted.

  • Isaiah 24:5 (2 votes)

    The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.