Hosea 13:14

I will ransom them from the power of Sheol; I will redeem them from Death. Where, O Death, are your plagues? Where, O Sheol, is your sting? Compassion is hidden from My eyes.

Study Bible

I will ransom them from the power of Sheol;
This phrase indicates God's promise to deliver His people from the grave, symbolized by "Sheol," the Hebrew term for the realm of the dead. The concept of ransom implies a payment or exchange, reflecting the sacrificial system in the Old Testament where a price was paid for redemption. This foreshadows the ultimate ransom paid by Jesus Christ, as referenced in the New Testament (Mark 10:45), where His death and resurrection conquer the power of death and the grave.

I will redeem them from Death.
Redemption here signifies a release or liberation, often used in the context of freeing someone from slavery or captivity. In biblical terms, death is seen as the ultimate enemy, and God's promise to redeem His people from death points to the hope of resurrection. This is echoed in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, where Paul speaks of victory over death through Jesus Christ, highlighting the fulfillment of this promise.

Where, O Death, are your plagues?
This rhetorical question challenges the power and finality of death. In ancient Near Eastern culture, plagues were often seen as manifestations of divine judgment or wrath. By questioning the presence of death's plagues, the text suggests a future where death's power is nullified. This anticipates the New Testament's assurance of eternal life through Christ, who has overcome death (Revelation 21:4).

Where, O Sheol, is your sting?
The "sting" of Sheol refers to the pain and fear associated with death and the grave. This imagery is used by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:55 to describe the defeat of death through Christ's resurrection. The absence of Sheol's sting signifies the hope of eternal life and the removal of death's hold over humanity, a central theme in Christian eschatology.

Compassion is hidden from My eyes.
This phrase reflects God's judgment and the withdrawal of His mercy due to Israel's persistent sin and rebellion. In the context of Hosea, it underscores the seriousness of Israel's spiritual adultery and the consequences of turning away from God. However, it also serves as a backdrop to the promise of redemption, highlighting the tension between divine justice and mercy, ultimately resolved in the redemptive work of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hosea
A prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Hosea's ministry focused on calling Israel back to faithfulness to God amidst their idolatry and moral decline.

2. Sheol
In Hebrew thought, Sheol is the realm of the dead, a place of darkness and separation from the living.

3. Death
Personified here, Death represents the ultimate enemy and consequence of sin, which God promises to overcome.

4. Israel
The Northern Kingdom, often depicted as unfaithful to God, yet still the recipient of His promises of redemption.

5. God
The speaker in this verse, expressing His power over death and His intention to redeem His people.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Death
God declares His power to ransom and redeem from death, showcasing His ultimate authority over life and death.

The Promise of Redemption
Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God promises redemption, highlighting His grace and mercy.

Victory Over Sin and Death
The rhetorical questions about death's plagues and Sheol's sting point to the future victory over sin and death through Christ.

The Hidden Compassion
The phrase "Compassion is hidden from My eyes" suggests a temporary withholding of mercy, emphasizing the seriousness of sin but also the eventual triumph of God's redemptive plan.

Hope in God's Promises
Believers can find hope in God's promises of redemption and victory over death, encouraging faithfulness and trust in His plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the promise of redemption in Hosea 13:14 provide hope for believers today?

2. In what ways does the New Testament fulfill the promise of victory over death found in Hosea 13:14?

3. How can understanding God's sovereignty over death impact our daily lives and perspectives on mortality?

4. What does the temporary hiding of compassion in this verse teach us about the nature of God's justice and mercy?

5. How can we apply the assurance of God's victory over death to our struggles with sin and fear?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Corinthians 15:55
Paul echoes Hosea's triumphant declaration over death, emphasizing the victory through Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 25:8
This verse speaks of God swallowing up death forever, aligning with the theme of victory over death.

Revelation 21:4
Describes a future where death is no more, connecting to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise in Hosea.