Hosea 2:13
And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD.
Hosea 2:13 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Hosea in the Bible is a declaration from the Lord about the consequences that would befall the people who have turned away from Him. The Lord speaks of visiting upon those who have worshipped false gods, like Baalim, and have forgotten Him in the process. The reference to burning incense, adorning oneself with jewelry, and seeking after lovers symbolizes the materialistic and worldly pursuits that have taken precedence over spiritual devotion to God. The imagery used in this verse highlights the idea of infidelity and betrayal towards the Lord, who has been forsaken for fleeting pleasures and false idols. The Lord's message is a warning of the punishment that will come upon those who have strayed from His path and neglected their relationship with Him. It serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful and committed to God, lest one be led astray by the temptations of the world.
Theological Overview
This verse from the book of Hosea gives a clear picture of God's relationship with the people of Israel. The reference to "Baalim" represents the false gods that the Israelites turned to instead of the true God. The act of burning incense to these idols and adorning oneself with jewelry signifies the Israelites' idolatry and materialistic pursuits. The phrase "went after her lovers" symbolizes the Israelites' spiritual adultery and unfaithfulness to God. By forgetting the Lord and pursuing worldly pleasures, the Israelites turned away from their creator and provider. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God alone.
Hosea 2:13 in other translations
American Standard Version
And I will visit upon her the days of the Baalim, unto which she burned incense, when she decked herself with her ear-rings and her jewels, and went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith Jehovah.
World English Bible
I will visit on her the days of the Baals, to which she burned incense, when she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and went after her lovers, and forgot me,” says Yahweh.
Douay-Rheims
And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, to whom she burnt incense, and decked herself out with her earrings, and with her jewels, and went after her lovers, and forgot me, saith the Lord.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And I wil visit vpon her the daies of Baalim, wherein shee burnt incense to them: and shee decked her selfe with her earings and her iewels, and shee folowed her louers, and forgate me, saith the Lord.