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Death and Resurrection
In these verses, Hosea speaks to Israel about ruin, failed leaders, stored-up guilt and a striking word about ransom from the power of Sheol and redemption from death. The passage moves from judgement to a weighty declaration in God’s own voice.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
This part of Hosea’s prophetic teaching addresses Israel directly. God says Israel is against their helper, questions their king and judges, speaks of guilt and coming trouble, then declares, “I will ransom them from the power of Sheol” and “I will redeem them from death” in the same passage.
Hosea 13:9–14Main takeaway
Hosea 13:9–14 shows that opposing God brings judgement, while God also speaks of ransoming and redeeming from the power of Sheol and from death.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Against the helperThe passage opens with a direct charge: Israel is destroyed because they are against God, the one called their helper.
Explanation
The passage opens with a direct charge: Israel is destroyed because they are against God, the one called their helper. This makes the problem plain. Their ruin is not described as chance. It is tied to resisting the very one who could help them.
02The king cannot saveGod then asks where Israel’s king is, and where their judges are, if they can save the people in all their cities.
Explanation
God then asks where Israel’s king is, and where their judges are, if they can save the people in all their cities. The words recall Israel’s desire for “a king and princes”. Verse 11 adds that God gave a king in anger and took him away in wrath, showing this leadership does not solve their need.
03Stored-up guilt and painful troubleVerse 12 says Ephraim’s guilt and sin are “stored up”. The picture shows that their sin is not overlooked.
Explanation
Verse 12 says Ephraim’s guilt and sin are “stored up”. The picture shows that their sin is not overlooked. Verse 13 uses the image of labour and an unwise son who does not come to the opening of the womb. The comparison points to painful crisis and foolish failure at the crucial moment.
04Ransom and redemption in a severe sayingVerse 14 speaks with strong words: “I will ransom them from the power of Sheol. I will redeem them from death!”
Explanation
Verse 14 speaks with strong words: “I will ransom them from the power of Sheol. I will redeem them from death!” Then Death and Sheol are addressed directly with questions about plagues and destruction. The final line, “Compassion will be hidden from my eyes”, keeps the verse solemn as well as powerful.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01According to verse 9, why is Israel destroyed?
Look for the cause named in the verse and the title God gives himself there: Israel is against God, who is their helper.
02What do verses 10 and 11 say about kings and judges?
Notice the questions about saving power in verse 10 and the statement in verse 11 that God gave a king in anger and took him away in wrath.
03What action words and images stand out in verse 14?
List the actions “ransom” and “redeem”, then note that Death and Sheol are addressed directly in the verse.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Hosea 13:9–14
9You are destroyed, Israel, because you are against me, against your helper.
10Where is your king now, that he may save you in all your cities? And your judges, of whom you said, ‘Give me a king and princes’?
11I have given you a king in my anger, and have taken him away in my wrath.
12The guilt of Ephraim is stored up. His sin is stored up.
13The sorrows of a travailing woman will come on him. He is an unwise son, for when it is time, he doesn’t come to the opening of the womb.
14I will ransom them from the power of Sheol. I will redeem them from death! Death, where are your plagues? Sheol, where is your destruction? “Compassion will be hidden from my eyes.