Hosea 13:9
O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help.
Original Language Analysis
שִֽׁחֶתְךָ֥
thou hast destroyed
H7843
שִֽׁחֶתְךָ֥
thou hast destroyed
Strong's:
H7843
Word #:
1 of 5
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
O Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
O Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
2 of 5
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Cross References
Jeremiah 2:19Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.Jeremiah 2:17Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when he led thee by the way?Deuteronomy 33:26There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.Jeremiah 5:25Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you.Hosea 14:1O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.
Historical Context
The entire prophetic indictment demonstrates Israel brought judgment on themselves: idolatry, injustice, covenant violation—all willful choices producing inevitable consequences. Yet throughout, God offered help: prophetic warnings, calls to repentance, promises of restoration if they turned. Their refusal to access available help compounded guilt. Archaeological and historical evidence shows Assyrian conquest resulted from political and religious policies Israel chose—self-inflicted wounds. This demonstrates that while God provides salvation, humans must access it through repentance and faith. Refusing offered help is ultimate tragedy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'you destroyed yourself' establish human responsibility for sin and its consequences?
- What does 'in Me is your help' teach about divine grace remaining available despite deserved judgment?
Analysis & Commentary
Self-destruction: 'O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help.' The indictment: שִׁחֶתְךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל (shichetcha Yisrael, you destroyed yourself, O Israel). Yet the hope: כִּי־בִי בְעֶזְרֶךָ (ki-vi ve'ezrekha, for in Me is your help). This demonstrates that sin is self-destructive—we bring ruin on ourselves. Yet divine help remains available—God willing to save if we turn. The tension: human responsibility for sin, divine provision for salvation. Only Christ saves us from self-destruction (Matthew 1:21).