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Hosea 4:16 Cross References
For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the LORD will feed them as a lamb in a large place.
Uncover the Rich Themes and Topics of This Bible Verse
Listed below are the Bible themes associated with Hosea 4:16. We invite you to explore each theme to gain deeper insights into the Scriptures.
Hosea 4:16 Cross Reference Verses
This section features a detailed cross-reference designed to enrich your understanding of the Scriptures. Below, you will find carefully selected verses that echo the themes and teachings related to Hosea 4:16 KJV. Click on any image to explore detailed analyses of related Bible verses and uncover deeper theological insights.

Leviticus 26:33 (KJV) »
And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

Hosea 11:7 (KJV) »
And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.

Jeremiah 3:11 (KJV) »
And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.

Jeremiah 3:8 (KJV) »
And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.

Jeremiah 3:6 (KJV) »
The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.

Jeremiah 8:5 (KJV) »
Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.

Jeremiah 7:24 (KJV) »
But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.

Jeremiah 5:6 (KJV) »
Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.

Jeremiah 14:7 (KJV) »
O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.

Isaiah 22:18 (KJV) »
He will surely violently turn and toss thee like a ball into a large country: there shalt thou die, and there the chariots of thy glory shall be the shame of thy lord's house.

Isaiah 7:21 (KJV) »
And it shall come to pass in that day, that a man shall nourish a young cow, and two sheep;

Isaiah 5:17 (KJV) »
Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat.

1 Samuel 15:11 (KJV) »
It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

Zechariah 7:11 (KJV) »
But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.
Hosea 4:16 Verse Analysis and Similar Verses
Hosea 4:16 Bible Verse Meaning
The verse Hosea 4:16 states, "For Israel slides back as a backsliding heifer: now the Lord will feed them as a lamb in a large place." This passage speaks to the spiritual condition of Israel, depicting their rebellion and the consequences that follow. To explore the meaning of this verse, we draw insights from various public domain commentaries, including those by Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke.
Contextual Understanding
The book of Hosea primarily contains prophetic messages directed towards the Northern Kingdom of Israel. In Hosea 4, the prophet conveys God's indictment against Israel for their rampant idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness. The metaphor of a backsliding heifer illustrates the stubbornness and waywardness of Israel, likening them to an animal that refuses to be directed by its owner.
Commentary Insights
- Matthew Henry: Henry focuses on the idea of backsliding, emphasizing that Israel's sinful ways lead them away from God's path. He interprets the "heifer" as a symbol of rebellion against divine authority.
- Albert Barnes: Barnes elaborates on the image of the lamb and the large place, suggesting that this indicates God's desire to provide a space of abundance for His people, yet they continue to resist His guidance.
- Adam Clarke: Clarke notes the contrast between the heifer and the lamb, illustrating Israel's decline into sinfulness and their potential for redemption if they choose to return to God.
Thematic Connections
This passage reveals key themes relevant to both the Old and New Testaments, including disobedience, divine judgment, and the hope of restoration. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of straying from God's commands and the mercy available to those who repent.
Cross-References
To deepen our understanding of Hosea 4:16, we can cross-reference several related Bible verses:
- Jeremiah 2:19: "Your own wickedness will correct you, and your backslidings will rebuke you." This verse parallels Hosea's message regarding the consequences of sin.
- James 1:14-15: The progression of sin illustrated resonates with the idea of backsliding depicted in Hosea.
- Isaiah 53:6: "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, everyone, to his own way." This highlights the theme of spiritual wandering common to both passages.
- Psalm 95:10: Reflects on the people’s tendency to go astray in their hearts, similar to Israel's behavior in Hosea.
- Matthew 9:36: Describes Jesus' compassion towards the lost, akin to the situation of Israel, indicating a deep contextual link.
- 2 Peter 2:22: Discusses the fate of those who turn away from the path, resonating with the warning in Hosea.
- Revelation 3:19: Highlights God’s loving correction, which aligns with the overall message of God’s longing for repentance.
Conclusion
In examining Hosea 4:16 through the lenses of various commentaries, we gain a comprehensive understanding of its implications for both ancient Israel and contemporary believers. The backsliding nature of the people serves as a reminder to maintain a steadfast relationship with God, and the promises of His provision and redemption stand as an encouraging testament to His unwavering love.
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