Hosea 7:15

Authorized King James Version

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Though I have bound and strengthened their arms, yet do they imagine mischief against me.

Original Language Analysis

וַאֲנִ֣י H589
וַאֲנִ֣י
Strong's: H589
Word #: 1 of 7
i
יִסַּ֔רְתִּי Though I have bound H3256
יִסַּ֔רְתִּי Though I have bound
Strong's: H3256
Word #: 2 of 7
to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct
חִזַּ֖קְתִּי and strengthened H2388
חִזַּ֖קְתִּי and strengthened
Strong's: H2388
Word #: 3 of 7
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
זְרֽוֹעֹתָ֑ם their arms H2220
זְרֽוֹעֹתָ֑ם their arms
Strong's: H2220
Word #: 4 of 7
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
וְאֵלַ֖י H413
וְאֵלַ֖י
Strong's: H413
Word #: 5 of 7
near, with or among; often in general, to
יְחַשְּׁבוּ yet do they imagine H2803
יְחַשְּׁבוּ yet do they imagine
Strong's: H2803
Word #: 6 of 7
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
רָֽע׃ mischief H7451
רָֽע׃ mischief
Strong's: H7451
Word #: 7 of 7
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis & Commentary

Training betrayers: 'Though I have bound and strengthened their arms, yet do they imagine mischief against me.' God declares אֲנִי יִסַּרְתִּי חִזַּקְתִּי זְרוֹעוֹתָם (ani yissarti chizaqti zero'otam): 'I disciplined/trained, I strengthened their arms'—yet they devise (יְחַשְּׁבוּ, yechashevu) evil (רָע, ra) against Him. Divine beneficence met with plotting rebellion. This describes supreme ingratitude: using God-given strength against Him. Romans 1:21 similarly condemns those knowing God yet not glorifying Him. Israel's strength—military, economic, political—all derived from covenant relationship, yet deployed for covenant violation. Only Christ perfectly uses strength for divine purposes, glorifying Father in all things (John 17:4).

Historical Context

God's covenant faithfulness provided Israel every advantage: deliverance from Egypt, conquest of Canaan, military victories, economic prosperity. Even in apostasy, God 'bound and strengthened'—disciplining and empowering them. Yet they used these gifts for rebellion: military strength for alliances with pagan nations, prosperity for luxury and oppression, freedom for idolatry. This demonstrates tragic irony: covenant blessings enabling covenant rebellion. Archaeological evidence confirms Israel's prosperity during periods of greatest apostasy (Jeroboam II era). Church history parallels: Christian nations using gospel-enabled prosperity and freedom for secular rebellion against Christian foundations.

Questions for Reflection