Israel is a luxuriant vine yielding fruit for itself; the more prosperous, the more altars and pillars they built. Their hearts are false; now they will bear their guilt. The calf of Beth-aven shall be carried to Assyria as tribute; thorns shall cover their altars, and they shall say to the mountains 'Cover us!' Sow righteousness, reap steadfast love, break up fallow ground—but they have plowed wickedness and will reap iniquity.
Read Hosea Chapter 10 Summary
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Places in This Chapter
Samaria
View on MapSamaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel and later became the name for the entire region between Judea and Galilee. After the Assyrian conquest, the population became mixed, and the Samaritans developed their own form of worship. Jews and Samaritans had deep hostility. Jesus broke social barriers by speaking with the Samaritan woman at the well and telling the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Gibeah
View on MapGibeah of Benjamin is remembered for two contrasting associations. Its darkest moment came in Judges 19-21 when its residents committed an atrocity that nearly led to Benjamin's extinction. Yet it later became the hometown of Saul, Israel's first king.
Bethel
View on MapBethel means "House of God" and was where Jacob had his famous dream of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending. Abraham also built altars here. Later, Jeroboam set up a golden calf here as an alternative worship site to Jerusalem, which was condemned by prophets.
Position in Book
Hosea's MarriageChapters 1-3
Israel's UnfaithfulnessChapters 4-10
Charges against Israel: idolatry, political intrigue, empty religion, coming judgment.
God's Faithful LoveChapters 11-14