Hosea 9:1-17

9:1-6 | In stark contrast to the plentiful harvest Israel was accustomed to, the threshing floor, winepress, and new wine in Israel’s coming harvest would no longer produce a satisfying crop because their idols could not give them what they needed. Nettles and thorns would surround them. And in exile, Israel would eat the bread of mourners – bread considered unclean because it came from a house of death.

9:7-8 | The people of Israel ignored and derided Hosea, calling him a fool and insane. In reality, Hosea was a watchman, sounding the alarm for God of coming danger for His people (Jer. 6:17; Ezek. 3:17; 33:7).

9:10 | Finding grapes in the wilderness and firstfruits on the fig tree symbolizes God’s joy in establishing His covenant with Israel in the days of Moses. Sadly, Israel quickly turned away from God and went to Baal Peor, where they worshiped other gods (Num. 25:1-5).

9:14-15 | Hosea spoke of a miscarrying womb and dry breasts to show Israel that their worship of the fertility god Baal (who promised offspring to his worshipers) would bring them only barrenness and divine judgment.