Definition: Though he be fruitful among [his] brethren, an east wind shall come, the wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 13:15. It’s a really powerful and somewhat sobering message about God’s judgment and the consequences of sin. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about a person who is thriving (producing good things) but ultimately failing and being brought to ruin due to his sins. It’s a warning about the inevitable consequences of our choices. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Though he be fruitful among [his] brethren…” – This initially sounds positive. It means this person is bringing good things into the world, growing and flourishing. "His brethren" refers to his family or community. It’s a hopeful starting point. “…an east wind shall come…” – This is a metaphor. An “east wind” usually brings cooling breezes, but here it suggests something negative and destructive will arrive. “The wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness…” - This is the key part. The "wind of the LORD" refers to God's judgment – his power, his displeasure, or his force. It’s not a violent storm, but rather a powerful and transformative force. “his spring shall become dry…” – This means that the person’s potential for good – their ability to flourish, to produce, to create – will be choked off. Their life, their hopes, their dreams - all things that could grow – will wither away. “and his fountain shall be dried up…” – A “fountain” represents a source of abundance, a place where something good is stored or flowing freely. This is being completely emptied. “He shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels.” - This is the most frightening part. "Treasures" represent blessings, opportunities, and the things that make life enjoyable. The word “spoil” means to ruin completely, to destroy utterly. It’s like everything – all their hopes, their dreams, their potential - are being destroyed. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse paints a picture of a person who is genuinely good but ultimately falls short. God's judgment isn't about punishment; it's about the consequences of that goodness falling short of his perfect nature and will. It’s a reminder that even those who are striving to be good must ultimately accept accountability for their actions. It’s a call for repentance, acknowledging our flaws and seeking God’s forgiveness. In simpler terms: "This person is doing well, but because they're not trying to do right or follow God's will, they’ll eventually lose everything they've worked for." Important Note: This verse isn't meant to be a pessimistic outlook. It also highlights God’s love and mercy – that He continues to care for those who are truly striving to live in accordance with his will. It speaks of the importance of seeking forgiveness and turning back to Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points further? Connect this verse to a specific story or example from the Bible?