Hosea 9:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus, Israel, shown to be fruitless, rightly faces destruction for its refusal to yield a harvest. Yet, he asserts, even if it comes to this, I will annihilate their offspring. This refers to “the desires of their wombs.” It is essential to reflect on the meaning of this statement. Why does it declare, “all their leaders shall be rebellious”? In a broader sense, why was the submission of all leaders necessary? The response relates to one of the earliest historical events. I will now clarify what that event is. In the wilderness, Israel fashioned a golden calf during Moses's absence, as he ascended Mount Sinai to receive the law. When he returned, he was filled with wrath at this misdeed, shattered the idol, and, through his own nobility, sought to appease the furious God: he fell before Him, entreating, “If you will forgive their sin, forgive it; but if not, erase me from this book you have written” (Ex. 32:32). God assured the prophet that He would descend to all, affirming, “I have forgiven them as you requested” (Num. 14:20). Observe how pivotal it was for Israel to have the righteous love of the prophet, for one among many had the opportunity to conciliate God through obedience. Thus, it is just to blame Israel for utterly turning away from God and for lacking leaders who would condemn wrongdoing, prevent them from straying, or turn away divine wrath through their own virtue and intercession, as was done in Moses's time. Hence, he states they shall be cast aside, “and those who wander shall be among the Gentiles.” This is their fate even during their captivity in Assyria, and the same will be true now, as they suffer for the rejection of Christ: the descendants of Israel are, in every corner of the world, homeless wanderers without a homeland, as God declared through the holy prophets, "I will scatter them to the winds" (See Jeremiah 49:32; Ezekiel 5:10, 5:12, 12, etc.). Therefore, if we seek union with God, let us humbly bow before Him and approach Christ with faithful obedience, proclaiming: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you” (Matthew 11:28-29), for in doing so, we shall be fruitful and unharmed, devoid of unproductive roots or wasted fruits, we will not go astray and will not distance ourselves from God, but instead, remain close to Him, enjoying a city above and in heaven, the mother of the firstborn, the nurturer of the saints, the pure dwelling place of the exalted spirits.

Regarding Ephraim, whose root has perished, it is indicated that he has lost connection with God, his true foundation, and thus does not merit the legacy of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, his forebears, rendering him unable to manifest the fruits of righteousness. Even if he manages to bear some fruit, God declares that He will destroy the most precious fruits of his womb; if they raise children, they will be left barren among people. Consequently, God has forsaken them and led them into captivity. They shall be nomads among the nations. This observation can also apply to the entire Jewish community, whose leaders turned away from God and incited the people to seek His crucifixion. As a result, He has distanced Himself from them and will no longer show them love. He has struck down and withered their root, leading them to fruitlessness; yet, even if they produce some fruit and engage with the Scriptures and the law, it will be void and contrary to God’s will, akin to greedy offspring, and ultimately, it will be destroyed. The Lord of all prophets has rejected them due to their refusal to comply with His command, and so they will wander among the nations, lacking an altar, a home, or a homeland. David expresses in his psalm, I will not act violently, lest my people forget; render me powerless in Your might (Psalms 58:12). In another passage, he states: for the enormity of their wickedness will I be cast out, for they have prevailed against You, O Lord (Psalms 5:11). Regarding the tree, the Gospel speaks of it saying: the axe is already laid to the root of the tree; every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire (Matthew 3:10). Clearly, heretics cannot produce the fruit of virtue, for they have lost connection with the Lord, who, according to the Apostle (Ephesians 3), must be their foundation and roots. Should they bear children contrary to God’s will, those will not thrive. Their fruits, representing the thoughts and deeds of their hearts, will wither and die, making it evident to all that a barren root is incapable of producing fruit. They will be rejected, as they have already been forsaken by God due to their disobedience to His decree, ‘Thou shalt not transgress the path established by thy forefathers’ (Proverbs 22:25). Thus, they will wander among the nations, shifting from one belief to another, discontent with what they once knew, perpetually oscillating between the old and the new, mirroring the aimlessness of the Gentiles.