Hosea 10:6

It shall be also carried unto Assyria for a present to king Jareb: Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.

Hosea 10:6 (KJV)

Context

The book of Hosea is one of the prophetic books in the Old Testament. The prophet Hosea was called by God to deliver a message of warning and judgment to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, particularly to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. The people had turned away from God and were engaging in idolatry and wickedness.

Meaning

In Hosea 10:6, the object of Israel’s idolatrous worship—likely a calf idol or a valuable gift associated with it—would be carried away to Assyria as a present to King Jareb. This act signifies the complete failure of Israel’s strategy of seeking security through alliances with foreign powers, particularly Assyria, instead of trusting in the LORD. The “present” to King Jareb represents the stripping away of their wealth and the humiliation of their national pride.

The title “King Jareb” is mentioned in Hosea 10:6 and Hosea 5:13, so its exact meaning is uncertain. It is thought to be a title given to the king of Assyria or a reference to a particular Assyrian ruler. The name “Jareb” appears only in this passage and is not found elsewhere in the Bible. It is understood to be a title referring to the king of Assyria, emphasizing Assyria’s power and influence over Israel.

Ephraim, one of the prominent tribes in Israel, is mentioned in this verse. The prophecy states that Ephraim would experience shame as a consequence of their actions. This shame likely refers to the defeat and humiliation they would face at the hands of their enemies, including Assyria. The broader context of Hosea warns that the northern tribes, including Ephraim, will face humiliation and defeat because of their rebellion against God.

The verse concludes by stating that Israel, as a whole, would be ashamed of their own counsel. This refers to their reliance on their own wisdom and strategies rather than seeking guidance from God. Israel had abandoned God’s commandments and turned to their own devices, which would ultimately lead to their downfall and humiliation.

Biblical connections

The verse demonstrates that human schemes devised in opposition to or apart from God’s will lead to disgrace. It highlights the principle that God will not be mocked; the very things people trust in for security will become the instruments of their shame. The “own counsel” of Israel refers to their political and religious decisions made without seeking God, which are exposed as foolish and futile.

Application

This verse serves as a warning against syncretism and the temptation to rely on worldly powers rather than on God’s covenant faithfulness. It underscores the certainty of divine judgment upon persistent unfaithfulness, while implicitly pointing to the need for repentance and a return to the LORD, which is the broader message of Hosea’s prophecy.