Hosea 9:2 - The threshing floor and the wine press won’t feed them, and the new wine will fail her.

Generated Verse: Hosea 9:2

What does "Hosea 9:2" mean?


Hosea 9:2 is a prophecy of impending famine and judgment upon the Israelites for their unfaithfulness to God, particularly their idolatry. Let's break down what each part of the verse signifies:

"The threshing floor... won’t feed them": The threshing floor was the place where grain was separated from the chaff after harvest. A successful harvest meant food and sustenance for the people. The statement "won't feed them" indicates a poor harvest or a complete failure of the crops, leading to a lack of food. This could be due to drought, pests, or divine punishment.

"and the wine press...won’t feed them": Similar to the threshing floor, the wine press represented a source of nourishment and celebration. A productive wine press meant plenty of wine, which was a staple and a symbol of prosperity. Its failure signifies another source of food and joy being cut off.

"and the new wine will fail her": "Her" likely refers to the nation of Israel, collectively represented as a woman. New wine was a sign of God's blessing and abundance. Its "failure" means that the usual abundance and blessings associated with new wine will be absent. There will be no joy, celebration, or prosperity.

In essence, the verse is saying:

Because of their sins, the Israelites will face severe food shortages. Their crops will fail, their wine production will cease, and they will experience famine. The things that usually provide sustenance and joy will be taken away as a consequence of their idolatry and rebellion against God.

Context within Hosea:

Hosea is a book filled with strong rebukes and warnings to Israel for their spiritual infidelity. The prophet uses the metaphor of an unfaithful wife to describe Israel's relationship with God. They have turned away from Him and pursued other gods (idols). This verse is part of a larger section (Hosea 9) describing the judgment that will come upon them for their sins.

Therefore, this verse is a stark warning of the physical consequences that will result from their spiritual failings. It is a reminder that true prosperity and blessing come from obedience to God.

What categories does "Hosea 9:2" have?