Definition: According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 13:6. It’s a really powerful and somewhat heartbreaking passage about a relationship gone wrong. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that the people who were being led by Hosea (and later, the Israelites) were living a life of comfort and ease – they were free to wander and roam. But, because they weren’t focused on God, they became complacent, selfish, and lost their way. They've forgotten about the relationship with God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Hosea 13:6 According to their pasture..." – This is a metaphor. Hosea was looking at the people in Israel who were living in a specific place (their "pasture"). It’s not about a literal pasture; it's about a way of life, a lifestyle. "...so were they filled..." – This means they had plenty of things – food, possessions, comfort – that made their lives easy and happy. They weren’t struggling or worried. "...they were filled, and their heart was exalted..." – This is the key part. Their lives were full, and they felt good about themselves. Their hearts (their souls) were high up, filled with pride and happiness. They were living a life of pleasure and self-importance. "...therefore have they forgotten me?" – This is where it gets serious. The verse basically says that because they were so focused on their own comfort and pleasures, they stopped recognizing God's importance in their lives. They’ve lost sight of what truly matters: a relationship with the divine. They're no longer seeking Him or worshipping Him. In short: This verse is about a spiritual decline – a loss of connection with God and a shift from a life of worship to a life of self-centeredness. It’s a warning about the importance of staying connected to God and avoiding complacency. Important Context (Briefly) This passage comes before Hosea's story where he is harshly criticizing his wife, Betsey, for her infidelity. The verse highlights how Hosea’s own life was also in decline – he was consumed by anger and bitterness. The verse is a reflection of the state of Israel after they had become disobedient to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with examples? Discuss its significance in the larger context of the Old Testament? Explore how this verse relates to other biblical stories?