Definition: They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms, because the shadow thereof [is] good: therefore your daughters shall commit whoredom, and your spouses shall commit adultery.
Explanation:
Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 4:13. It’s a really powerful and concerning passage about relationships and sin. Here's an explanation in simpler terms:
The Core of the Verse:
“They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms, because the shadow thereof [is] good: therefore your daughters shall commit whoredom, and your spouses shall commit adultery.”
Let's unpack it piece by piece:
“They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains…”
: This suggests a ritualistic offering – something significant being made to God. It implies a focus on worship and devotion.
“…and burn incense upon the hills…”
: Incense was used in ancient times, often to honor God and create a sacred atmosphere. Burning it meant offering something precious and dedicated to Him.
“Under oaks and poplars and elms…”
: These are common trees in biblical times – representing natural landscapes and places of worship.
“…because the shadow thereof [is] good:”
This is the crucial part. The Hebrew word “shadow” (דֶּרֶךְ,
derach
) means "a place of refuge" or "a safe harbor." The verse says that
this
shadow – this place of refuge –
is good
. It’s a protective and comforting area.
“Therefore your daughters shall commit whoredom…”
: This means women are being encouraged to engage in sexual relationships outside of marriage. It's essentially promoting unfaithfulness.
“…and your spouses shall commit adultery.”
: This is the most serious part – it’s condemning a fundamental breach of trust and love within a marriage.
What’s the Overall Message?
The verse paints a picture of a society where people are prioritizing worldly pleasures (sex) over spiritual devotion and commitment to their partners. It suggests a deep moral failing: a focus on fleeting gratification rather than genuine connection and responsibility. It warns against pride, selfishness, and neglecting God's will.
Important Context:
This verse is part of a larger story in Hosea, which is about God’s judgment and the need for repentance. It’s often interpreted as a warning to Israel (the people) about their separation from God and their turning away from righteousness.
In short, the verse warns against focusing on worldly pleasures at the expense of spiritual connection and faithfulness.
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Disclaimer:
I'm an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of this passage within religious contexts.
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