Definition: They have deeply corrupted [themselves], as in the days of Gibeah: [therefore] he will remember their iniquity, he will visit their sins.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Hosea 9:9. It’s a pretty powerful and sobering message about sin and judgment. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that people have gone to such a bad state of being – they’ve become so deeply flawed and broken – that they need a serious reckoning. It’s comparing them to a time in the past when something similar happened, and it suggests God will ultimately punish them for their actions. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “They have deeply corrupted themselves…” : This is the key part. It means people have acted terribly – they’ve made terrible choices, been selfish, and perhaps even deliberately harmed others. It’s a complete breakdown of their own moral character. “…as in the days of Gibeah…” : This is where it gets more symbolic. "Gibeah" was a system of ritual cleansing and separation in ancient Israel. It symbolized a boundary between those who were clean and those who weren't. Think of it like this: The people who were not clean had to be kept separate from the clean ones, and they were subject to scrutiny and judgment. This suggests that these people have been deliberately distanced from God and each other for a very long time. “…therefore he will remember their iniquity…” : "Iniquity" means "sin." This is a direct reference to their sins. It's like recognizing the tracks of wrongdoing that they’ve left behind. "...he will visit their sins." : This is the most important part. God isn’t just remembering their sins; He’s going to punish them for them. It implies a judgment coming, and it's not about a casual reminder – it’s a final, serious reckoning. Overall Meaning: The verse paints a picture of a nation or community that has fallen far behind its moral standards. It suggests a deep spiritual crisis and a looming consequence – God will ultimately judge them harshly for their choices. It's a warning about the importance of maintaining a righteous life and avoiding sin. Important Context: This verse is part of Hosea’s long message about judgment and repentance. Hosea is addressing his estranged wife, Goanna, and urging her to repent (change her ways). It's a call for accountability and a reminder that God is ultimately just and will not tolerate sin. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of what "sin" might look like based on this context? Discuss the significance of Gibeah as a symbolic image?