Hosea 8 14

Hosea 8:14 kjv

For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof.

Hosea 8:14 nkjv

"For Israel has forgotten his Maker, And has built temples; Judah also has multiplied fortified cities; But I will send fire upon his cities, And it shall devour his palaces."

Hosea 8:14 niv

Israel has forgotten their Maker and built palaces; Judah has fortified many towns. But I will send fire on their cities that will consume their fortresses."

Hosea 8:14 esv

For Israel has forgotten his Maker and built palaces, and Judah has multiplied fortified cities; so I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour her strongholds.

Hosea 8:14 nlt

Israel has forgotten its Maker and built great palaces,
and Judah has fortified its cities.
Therefore, I will send down fire on their cities
and will burn up their fortresses."

Hosea 8 verses

Hosea 8 14 Meaning

Israel, in its corrupted state, has forgotten its Maker and turned to building palaces and fortresses. This verse declares that due to this abandonment of God, their strongholds and cities will be consumed by fire. It signifies divine judgment upon a people who have forsaken the source of their true security for temporary and man-made fortifications.

Hosea 8 14 Context

Hosea's prophecy to the Northern Kingdom of Israel in the 8th century BCE addresses their persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. Chapter 8, in particular, highlights the consequences of their misplaced trust and reliance on foreign powers and their own might, rather than on the LORD. This verse specifically critiques their abandonment of God as their true security, leading to their eventual destruction and exile. The cultural context involves the construction of impressive fortifications and palaces, seen as symbols of power and prosperity, which became objects of pride and trust apart from God. This was a direct polemic against their idolatrous practices and a defiance of God's covenant to protect them when they remained faithful.

Hosea 8 14 Word Analysis

• For (וְלָכֵן) (velakhen): A consequential conjunction, indicating a direct result or consequence of the preceding actions or state. It signifies "and therefore" or "so," establishing a cause-and-effect relationship.
• Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל) (Yisra'el): The collective name for the people of God, referring to the ten northern tribes, but also representative of all God's people when in disobedience.
• hath forgotten (שָׁכַח) (shakhach): Past tense verb meaning "to forget," "to neglect," or "to abandon." It carries a strong sense of intentional neglect and turning away from someone or something vital. In this context, it implies a willful disregard for God's covenant and provisions.
• his Maker (עוֹשֵׂהוּ) (osehu): Literally "He who makes him" or "His maker." Refers to God as the Creator and sustainer of Israel. The use of the singular "maker" emphasizes God's sole role as the divine architect and source of their existence and identity.
• and buildeth (וּבָנָה) (uvanah): "And builds" or "and builds up." This indicates an ongoing process of construction, referring to fortifications and palaces. The emphasis is on their active engagement in creating their own perceived security.
• palaces (אַרְמְנוֹת) (armonot): "Palaces" or "strongholds." These were magnificent buildings, indicative of wealth, power, and self-sufficiency. They represent the material prosperity and security Israel prioritized.
• and fortresses (וּמְצָדוֹת) (umetsadot): "And fortresses" or "and fenced cities." These were defensive structures, symbolizing physical protection and security derived from human effort and material strength.
• but Judah (וִיהוּדָה) (viYhuda): "And Judah." Contrasted with Israel, Judah (the Southern Kingdom) is mentioned, implying a separation in this context, though the message of judgment and covenant breaking applies broadly. This might suggest Judah, while potentially facing its own issues, is being set against Israel's ultimate failure.
• hath inured himself (עָשָׂה) (asah): This Hebrew verb often means "to do" or "to make," but in this context, with the accusative, it signifies "to establish," "to create," or "to acquire for oneself." Here, it implies Israel has fortified its own trust in its structures, rather than in God.
• to strength (לְעֹז) (le'oz): "For strength" or "to strength." This prepositional phrase indicates the purpose or destination of their building efforts—to secure their strength and power.

Word Group Analysis:

• "forgotten his Maker and buildeth palaces and fortresses": This phrase encapsulates the core sin of Israel: turning away from the divine source of their existence and security to place their trust in human achievement and material defenses. It is a testament to their apostasy.
• "but Judah hath inured himself to strength": This contrasting clause highlights that both kingdoms (though with different levels or focus) were moving away from dependence on God, with Judah also reinforcing its reliance on its own power and capabilities.

Hosea 8 14 Bonus Section

The imagery of fire consuming palaces and fortresses in judgment for neglecting the divine Maker echoes throughout Scripture. It highlights the vanity of human defenses when they are erected against the express will of God. The historical context reveals a kingdom that, despite divine interventions and warnings, continued down a path of self-reliance and idolatry, ultimately leading to Assyrian captivity. The message is a stark reminder that true security is found not in fortifications, but in faithfulness to the LORD, who alone can provide lasting protection and prosperity.

Hosea 8 14 Commentary

This verse is a powerful indictment against national apostasy and misplaced trust. Israel's sin was not merely the construction of magnificent buildings, but the heart attitude behind it: a forgetting of God, their ultimate refuge and sustainer. They exchanged the everlasting security found in divine covenant for the transient, visible strength of stone walls and opulent palaces. The "fire" that will consume these structures represents God's judgment, which is a direct consequence of their covenant breaking and idolatrous reliance on self-sufficiency. This is a timeless warning about the dangers of material prosperity and power becoming substitutes for spiritual devotion and dependence on God.