Give them, O LORD: what wilt thou give? give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts.
Give them something, Lord, but what should you give? Give them wombs that can't carry babies and breasts that can't feed them.
Sometimes the prophet's prayers get dark when he sees how far people have fallen.
📚 Historical Context
Hosea was a prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the 8th century BC, a time when the nation was deeply engaged in idolatry and social injustice, leading to God's impending judgment. In this verse, Hosea is rhetorically asking God what to give the people as a consequence of their unfaithfulness, with the response symbolizing severe punishment through barrenness and loss. This reflects the broader theme in Hosea's prophecy of God's covenant love being tested by Israel's betrayal.
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