The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof that rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it.
HOSEA 10:5KJVWhat does Hosea 10:5 mean?
Hosea 10:5 says that the people living in Samaria will be afraid because of the calves at Bethaven; the people and the priests who once celebrated these idols will mourn when their glory is taken away. The verse points to a coming loss and sorrow over the downfall of their false worship.
The prophet Hosea is speaking to the northern kingdom of Israel, warning them about the consequences of their idol worship, especially the golden calves set up at a place called Bethaven (a mocking name for Bethel). The verse describes how both ordinary people and priests will grieve when the idols they trusted in are destroyed or taken away, showing the emptiness of their false religion.
The Hebrew behind Hosea 10:5
- "fear" (גּוּר, gur): This word often means to be afraid or to tremble. Here, it highlights the anxiety and dread that will grip the people of Samaria when their idol is threatened.
- "calves" (עֵגֶל, ‘egel): Refers to the golden calf idols. The use of the plural shows that idol worship was widespread and central to their religious life.
- "Bethaven" (בֵּית אָוֶן, Beit Aven): Literally means "house of wickedness" or "house of vanity," a play on the real place name Bethel ("house of God"). This word choice underlines the prophet’s condemnation of the site as a center of idolatry.
- "glory" (כָּבוֹד, kavod): This word can mean honor or splendor. In this verse, it refers to the idol’s outward beauty or the pride people took in it, which is about to be lost.
Why Hosea 10:5 matters
- Hosea 10:5 clarifies that the people's fear and mourning are not for God, but for the loss of their idols, exposing the depth of their misplaced devotion.
- The verse uses the name "Bethaven" instead of Bethel to emphasize how far Israel has strayed from true worship, turning a holy place into one of emptiness and sin.
- This verse connects to the broader message of Hosea, which warns that trusting in anything other than God—no matter how impressive it seems—will ultimately lead to disappointment and sorrow.