Hosea 8:14

Authorized King James Version

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For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof.

Original Language Analysis

וַיִּשְׁכַּ֨ח hath forgotten H7911
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֨ח hath forgotten
Strong's: H7911
Word #: 1 of 15
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל For Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל For Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 2 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֹשֵׂ֗הוּ his Maker H6213
עֹשֵׂ֗הוּ his Maker
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 4 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וַיִּ֙בֶן֙ and buildeth H1129
וַיִּ֙בֶן֙ and buildeth
Strong's: H1129
Word #: 5 of 15
to build (literally and figuratively)
הֵֽיכָל֔וֹת temples H1964
הֵֽיכָל֔וֹת temples
Strong's: H1964
Word #: 6 of 15
a large public building, such as a palace or temple
וִֽיהוּדָ֕ה and Judah H3063
וִֽיהוּדָ֕ה and Judah
Strong's: H3063
Word #: 7 of 15
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
הִרְבָּ֖ה hath multiplied H7235
הִרְבָּ֖ה hath multiplied
Strong's: H7235
Word #: 8 of 15
to increase (in whatever respect)
בְּעָרָ֔יו cities H5892
בְּעָרָ֔יו cities
Strong's: H5892
Word #: 9 of 15
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
בְּצֻר֑וֹת fenced H1219
בְּצֻר֑וֹת fenced
Strong's: H1219
Word #: 10 of 15
to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)
וְשִׁלַּחְתִּי but I will send H7971
וְשִׁלַּחְתִּי but I will send
Strong's: H7971
Word #: 11 of 15
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֵ֣שׁ a fire H784
אֵ֣שׁ a fire
Strong's: H784
Word #: 12 of 15
fire (literally or figuratively)
בְּעָרָ֔יו cities H5892
בְּעָרָ֔יו cities
Strong's: H5892
Word #: 13 of 15
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וְאָכְלָ֖ה and it shall devour H398
וְאָכְלָ֖ה and it shall devour
Strong's: H398
Word #: 14 of 15
to eat (literally or figuratively)
אַרְמְנֹתֶֽיהָ׃ the palaces H759
אַרְמְנֹתֶֽיהָ׃ the palaces
Strong's: H759
Word #: 15 of 15
a citadel (from its height)

Analysis & Commentary

Fortified cities vs. Maker: 'For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof.' The indictment: forgetting (שָׁכַח, shakhach) יֹשֵׂהוּ (yosehu, his Maker) while building הֵיכָלוֹת (heikhalot, temples/palaces). Judah similarly multiplies fortified cities (בָּצוּרוֹת, betsurot). Response: fire (אֵשׁ, esh) consuming all. This demonstrates that human constructions—religious or military—cannot substitute for covenant relationship with Creator. Fortifications fail when God fights against you (Amos 1:4,7,10,12,14, 2:2,5). Only Christ, our fortress and refuge, provides true security (Psalm 18:2).

Historical Context

Archaeological evidence confirms 8th century building projects: fortified cities in Judah (Lachish, Azekah, etc.) and palaces/temples in northern Israel. Hezekiah especially fortified Judah against Assyria. Yet these defenses ultimately failed when God ordained judgment. Northern Israel fell despite fortifications (722 BC); Judah's cities fell to Babylon (586 BC) despite walls and armies. The buildings—whether religious (temples) or military (fences cities)—couldn't protect when covenant was violated. Sennacherib's annals boast of conquering 46 fortified Judean cities (701 BC). Only Jerusalem survived—not by fortifications but by divine intervention (2 Kings 19:35-36). This demonstrates that trusting human strength rather than God ensures defeat.

Questions for Reflection