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Judgment on Samaria
These verses use sharp images to announce judgement on Samaria. Hosea first pictures drying and plunder, then states the reason clearly: Samaria will bear her guilt because she has rebelled against her God.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
This short prophetic passage moves from picture language to direct accusation. Hosea 13:15 speaks of fruitfulness, an east wind from the wilderness, dried water sources, and plundered treasure. Hosea 13:16 then names Samaria and declares that she will bear guilt because of rebellion against God.
Hosea 13:15–16Main takeaway
Hosea 13:15–16 teaches that present fruitfulness and stored wealth cannot protect Samaria from judgement for rebelling against God.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Fruitful, yet not secureThe passage begins with a surprise. Someone is described as fruitful among his brothers, suggesting growth or success.
Explanation
The passage begins with a surprise. Someone is described as fruitful among his brothers, suggesting growth or success. Yet that condition does not last. Fruitfulness here is not a shield against what is coming, so the verse turns quickly from increase to threat and loss.
02The east wind as judgementAn east wind will come, called the breath of Yahweh and coming up from the wilderness. The image links a powerful wind with God’s action.
Explanation
An east wind will come, called the breath of Yahweh and coming up from the wilderness. The image links a powerful wind with God’s action. Its effects are stated plainly: spring and fountain become dry. Sources of life and supply are removed rather than refreshed.
03Treasure will be taken awayThe verse also says, "He will plunder the storehouse of treasure." After the drying of spring and fountain, even what has been stored is no protection.
Explanation
The verse also says, "He will plunder the storehouse of treasure." After the drying of spring and fountain, even what has been stored is no protection. Hosea speaks of both failing supply and captured wealth, so the judgement reaches present resources as well as future provision.
04Samaria named and the reason givenVerse 16 stops using images and names Samaria directly. Samaria will bear her guilt, and the reason is stated in the verse itself: she has rebelled against her God.
Explanation
Verse 16 stops using images and names Samaria directly. Samaria will bear her guilt, and the reason is stated in the verse itself: she has rebelled against her God. The judgement is tied to Samaria’s rebellion, so it is not presented as random or unexplained.
05Severe consequences of rebellionThe final lines describe terrible violence: falling by the sword, infants dashed in pieces, and pregnant women ripped open.
Explanation
The final lines describe terrible violence: falling by the sword, infants dashed in pieces, and pregnant women ripped open. These words present the dreadful outcome of judgement in stark terms. The passage does not soften the seriousness of rebellion or the horror of its consequences.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What contrast appears at the start of Hosea 13:15?
Notice that the verse begins with fruitfulness, then immediately announces an east wind that dries up spring and fountain.
02How does Hosea 13:15 describe the east wind?
Look for the phrases that connect the wind with Yahweh and with the wilderness.
03According to Hosea 13:16, why will Samaria bear her guilt?
The verse gives the reason directly: it says Samaria has rebelled against her God.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Hosea 13:15–16
15Though he is fruitful among his brothers, an east wind will come, the breath of Yahweh coming up from the wilderness; and his spring will become dry, and his fountain will be dried up. He will plunder the storehouse of treasure.
16Samaria will bear her guilt, for she has rebelled against her God. They will fall by the sword. Their infants will be dashed in pieces, and their pregnant women will be ripped open.”