Hosea 10:2
Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images.
Original Language Analysis
לִבָּ֖ם
Their heart
H3820
לִבָּ֖ם
Their heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
2 of 9
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
עַתָּ֣ה
H6258
יֶאְשָׁ֑מוּ
now shall they be found faulty
H816
יֶאְשָׁ֑מוּ
now shall they be found faulty
Strong's:
H816
Word #:
4 of 9
to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish
ה֚וּא
H1931
ה֚וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
5 of 9
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יַעֲרֹ֣ף
he shall break down
H6202
יַעֲרֹ֣ף
he shall break down
Strong's:
H6202
Word #:
6 of 9
to break the neck; hence (figuratively) to destroy
Cross References
1 Kings 18:21And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.Micah 5:13Thy graven images also will I cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands.James 4:4Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.James 1:8A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.Zephaniah 1:5And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham;
Historical Context
Israel's entire history featured divided loyalty - mixing YHWH worship with Baal cult, maintaining Jeroboam's calves while claiming covenant faithfulness. This syncretism proved their guilt. Assyrian conquest destroyed their altars and images, fulfilling the prophecy. Modern parallel: attempting to blend biblical faith with cultural idolatry produces spiritual instability. Only exclusive Christ-devotion provides stability.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways is my heart divided between devotion to God and other loves or loyalties?
- How does double-mindedness inevitably lead to being found faulty and losing even compromised worship?
Analysis & Commentary
Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images. Divided heart means double-minded - attempting to serve both YHWH and Baal. James 1:8 warns: double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. Found faulty means held guilty. Result: God destroys their altars and images. Syncretism is unacceptable; God demands exclusive devotion. Jesus taught: No one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). Only whole-hearted devotion to Christ honors God.