King James Version

What Does Hosea 6:9 Mean?

“And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent : for they commit lewdness. by: Heb. with one shoulder, or, to Shechem lewdness: or, enormity”

Context

But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me. men: or, Adam

Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity, and is polluted with blood. polluted: or, cunning for

And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent : for they commit lewdness. by: Heb. with one shoulder, or, to Shechem lewdness: or, enormity

I have seen an horrible thing in the house of Israel: there is the whoredom of Ephraim, Israel is defiled.

Also, O Judah, he hath set an harvest for thee, when I returned the captivity of my people.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) Should be rendered, *As a robber lies in wait, so the company of priests murder on the road to Shechem; yea, they execute the plot.* Shechem, charged with historic interest (Genesis to Judges), is also a city of refuge, a Levitical city, on the road to Bethel, where the priests of the calves resided. (Comp. Hosea 5:1.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hosea. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hosea 6:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.