Hosea 4:19

Authorized King James Version

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The wind hath bound her up in her wings, and they shall be ashamed because of their sacrifices.

Original Language Analysis

צָרַ֥ר hath bound her up H6887
צָרַ֥ר hath bound her up
Strong's: H6887
Word #: 1 of 6
to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive
ר֛וּחַ The wind H7307
ר֛וּחַ The wind
Strong's: H7307
Word #: 2 of 6
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
אוֹתָ֖הּ H853
אוֹתָ֖הּ
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 6
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בִּכְנָפֶ֑יהָ in her wings H3671
בִּכְנָפֶ֑יהָ in her wings
Strong's: H3671
Word #: 4 of 6
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
וְיֵבֹ֖שׁוּ and they shall be ashamed H954
וְיֵבֹ֖שׁוּ and they shall be ashamed
Strong's: H954
Word #: 5 of 6
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
מִזִּבְחוֹתָֽם׃ because of their sacrifices H2077
מִזִּבְחוֹתָֽם׃ because of their sacrifices
Strong's: H2077
Word #: 6 of 6
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

Analysis & Commentary

The wind has bound her up in her wings, and they shall be ashamed because of their sacrifices.' The imagery shifts to wind binding Israel in its wings - carrying them away to exile, unable to escape. 'Ashamed because of sacrifices' means their idolatrous worship will prove worthless, bringing shame instead of blessing. This fulfills covenant curses: trusting false gods leads to humiliation. Jeremiah 2:26-27 similarly describes: 'as the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed.' When idols fail to save, worshipers experience devastating shame. Only Christ provides worship that never disappoints (Romans 10:11, 'whoever believes in him will not be put to shame').

Historical Context

Assyrian conquest swept Israel away like wind - deportation scattered them among nations, fulfilling the imagery. Their sacrifices to Baal, golden calves, and high places proved useless - these gods couldn't prevent destruction. Archaeo logical evidence shows destroyed altars and cult sites from Assyrian campaigns. The shame of Israel's defeat before nations demonstrated their gods' impotence. This historical pattern recurs: false worship always disappoints. Only the true God saves; all substitutes fail when tested.

Questions for Reflection