Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version As marauders lie in ambush for a victim, so do bands of priests; they murder on the road to Shechem, carrying out their wicked schemes. New Living Translation Priests form bands of robbers, waiting in ambush for their victims. They murder travelers along the road to Shechem and practice every kind of sin. English Standard Version As robbers lie in wait for a man, so the priests band together; they murder on the way to Shechem; they commit villainy. Berean Standard Bible Like raiders who lie in ambush, so does a band of priests; they murder on the way to Shechem; surely they have committed atrocities. Berean Literal Bible Like raiders lying in wait for a man is the band of priests; they murder on the way to Shechem; surely, they have committed wickedness. King James Bible And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness. New King James Version As bands of robbers lie in wait for a man, So the company of priests murder on the way to Shechem; Surely they commit lewdness. New American Standard Bible And as a band of robbers lie in wait for a person, So a band of priests murder on the way to Shechem; Certainly they have committed an act of infamy. NASB 1995 And as raiders wait for a man, So a band of priests murder on the way to Shechem; Surely they have committed crime. NASB 1977 And as raiders wait for a man, So a band of priests murder on the way to Shechem; Surely they have committed crime. Legacy Standard Bible And as raiders wait for a man, So a band of priests murder on the way to Shechem; Surely they have committed lewdness. Amplified Bible And as bands of robbers [lie in] wait for a man, So a band of priests murder on the road toward Shechem [covering their crimes in that city of refuge]; Certainly they have committed crimes and outrages. Berean Annotated Bible Like raiders who lie in ambush, so does a band of priests; they murder on the way to Shechem (shoulder); surely they have committed atrocities. Christian Standard Bible Like raiders who wait in ambush for someone, a band of priests murders on the road to Shechem. They commit atrocities. Holman Christian Standard Bible Like raiders who wait in ambush for someone, a band of priests murders on the road to Shechem. They commit atrocities. American Standard Version And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way toward Shechem; yea, they have committed lewdness. Contemporary English Version You priests are like a gang of robbers in ambush. On the road to Shechem you murder and commit other horrible crimes. English Revised Version And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way toward Shechem; yea, they have committed lewdness. GOD'S WORD® Translation The priests are like gangs of robbers who lie in ambush for a person. They murder on the road to Shechem. Certainly, they have committed a crime. Good News Translation The priests are like a gang of robbers who wait in ambush for someone. Even on the road to the holy place at Shechem they commit murder. And they do all this evil deliberately! International Standard Version Like a gang of thieves that stalk a man, priests commit murder along the road to Shechem, committing shameful crimes. NET Bible The company of priests is like a gang of robbers, lying in ambush to pounce on a victim. They commit murder on the road to Shechem; they have done heinous crimes! New Heart English Bible As gangs of robbers wait to ambush a man, so the company of priests murder in the way toward Shechem, committing shameful crimes. Webster's Bible Translation And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleLike raiders who lie in ambush, so does a band of priests; they murder on the way to Shechem; surely they have committed atrocities. World English Bible As gangs of robbers wait to ambush a man, so the company of priests murder on the path toward Shechem, committing shameful crimes. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd as bands wait for a man, "" A company of priests murder—the way to Shechem, "" For they have done wickedness. Berean Literal Bible Like raiders lying in wait for a man is the band of priests; they murder on the way to Shechem; surely, they have committed wickedness. Young's Literal Translation And as bands do wait for a man, A company of priests do murder -- the way to Shechem, For wickedness they have done. Smith's Literal Translation As troops waiting for a man, the company of priests will break in pieces the way with the shoulder: for they did wickedness. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd like the jaws of highway robbers, they conspire with the priests who murder in the way those that pass out Sichem: for they have wrought wickedness. Catholic Public Domain Version And, like those who rob with skillful words, they, by conspiring with the priests, bring a death sentence to travelers on a pilgrimage from Shechem; for they have been performing evil deeds. New American Bible Like brigands lying in wait is the band of priests. They murder on the road to Shechem, indeed they commit a monstrous crime. New Revised Standard Version As robbers lie in wait for someone, so the priests are banded together; they murder on the road to Shechem, they commit a monstrous crime. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe priests have joined them on the way, and they have destroyed Shechem, because they have committed iniquities. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The Priests cooperated in the way and they murdered Shecheem, because they have done evil OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And as troops of robbers wait for a man, So doth the company of priests; They murder in the way toward Shechem; Yea, they commit enormity. Brenton Septuagint Translation And thy strength is that of a robber: the priests have hid the way, they have murdered the people of Sicima; for they have wrought iniquity in the house of Israel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Israel and Judah are Unrepentant…8Gilead is a city of evildoers, tracked with footprints of blood. 9Like raiders who lie in ambush, so does a band of priests; they murder on the way to Shechem; surely they have committed atrocities. 10In the house of Israel I have seen a horrible thing: Ephraim practices prostitution there, and Israel is defiled.… Cross References Like raiders who lie in ambush, Proverbs 1:11-12 If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause, / let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit. Jeremiah 5:26 For among My people are wicked men; they watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap to catch men. Psalm 10:8-9 He lies in wait near the villages; in ambush he slays the innocent; his eyes watch in stealth for the helpless. / He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net. so does a band of priests; Ezekiel 22:26 Her priests do violence to My law and profane My holy things. They make no distinction between the holy and the common, and they fail to distinguish between the clean and the unclean. They disregard My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. Malachi 2:7-9 For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts. / But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of Hosts. / “So I in turn have made you despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not kept My ways, but have shown partiality in matters of the law.” Micah 3:11 Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.” they murder on the way to Shechem; Genesis 34:25-29 Three days later, while they were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons (Dinah’s brothers Simeon and Levi) took their swords, went into the unsuspecting city, and slaughtered every male. / They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with their swords, took Dinah out of Shechem’s house, and went away. / Jacob’s other sons came upon the slaughter and looted the city, because their sister had been defiled. … Genesis 37:12-20 Some time later, Joseph’s brothers had gone to pasture their father’s flocks near Shechem. / Israel said to him, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flocks at Shechem? Get ready; I am sending you to them.” “I am ready,” Joseph replied. / Then Israel told him, “Go now and see how your brothers and the flocks are faring, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron. And when Joseph arrived in Shechem, … Judges 9:23-25 God sent a spirit of animosity between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem and caused them to treat Abimelech deceitfully, / in order that the crime against the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come to justice and their blood be avenged on their brother Abimelech and on the leaders of Shechem, who had helped him murder his brothers. / The leaders of Shechem set up an ambush against Abimelech on the hilltops, and they robbed all who passed by them on the road. So this was reported to Abimelech. surely they have committed atrocities. Judges 19:29-30 When he reached his house, he picked up a knife, took hold of his concubine, cut her limb by limb into twelve pieces, and sent her throughout the territory of Israel. / And everyone who saw it said, “Nothing like this has been seen or done from the day the Israelites came out of the land of Egypt until this day. Think it over, take counsel, and speak up!” Jeremiah 5:30-31 A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land. / The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end? Deuteronomy 22:21 she shall be brought to the door of her father’s house, and there the men of her city will stone her to death. For she has committed an outrage in Israel by being promiscuous in her father’s house. So you must purge the evil from among you. Jeremiah 11:9-10 And the LORD told me, “There is a conspiracy among the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem. / They have returned to the sins of their forefathers who refused to obey My words. They have followed other gods to serve them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken the covenant I made with their fathers. Micah 7:2-3 The godly man has perished from the earth; there is no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood; they hunt one another with a net. / Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together. Isaiah 1:21 See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness resided within her, but now only murderers! Jeremiah 7:9-11 Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, / and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, ‘We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations’? / Has this house, which bears My Name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Yes, I too have seen it, declares the LORD. Treasury of Scripture And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness. as troops. Hosea 7:1 When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria: for they commit falsehood; and the thief cometh in, and the troop of robbers spoileth without. Ezra 8:31 Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way. Job 1:15-17 And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee… so. Hosea 5:1 Hear ye this, O priests; and hearken, ye house of Israel; and give ye ear, O house of the king; for judgment is toward you, because ye have been a snare on Mizpah, and a net spread upon Tabor. Jeremiah 11:9 And the LORD said unto me, A conspiracy is found among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Ezekiel 22:27 Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. by consent. 1 Kings 12:25 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel. lewdness. Jump to Previous Ambush Band Banded Bands Commit Committed Committing Company Consent Crimes Design Enormity Evil Lewdness Murder Priests Quickly Raiders Robbers Secretly Shameful Shechem Surely Thieves Together Troops Villainy Wait Waiting Watching Way WorkingJump to Next Ambush Band Banded Bands Commit Committed Committing Company Consent Crimes Design Enormity Evil Lewdness Murder Priests Quickly Raiders Robbers Secretly Shameful Shechem Surely Thieves Together Troops Villainy Wait Waiting Watching Way WorkingHosea 6 1. Exhortations to repent and hope in God.4. A lamentation over those who had sinned after conviction. 5. Reproofs of obstinate sinners, and threats against them. Like raiders who lie in ambush This phrase paints a vivid picture of treachery and violence. In ancient times, raiders would hide along travel routes to attack unsuspecting travelers. This imagery suggests premeditated evil and betrayal. The comparison to raiders highlights the severity of the priests' actions, as they were expected to be spiritual leaders and protectors of the people, not perpetrators of violence. so does a band of priests they murder on the way to Shechem surely they have committed atrocities Persons / Places / Events 1. HoseaA prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope. 2. Priests Religious leaders in Israel who were expected to guide the people in worship and adherence to God's laws but are here accused of corruption and violence. 3. Shechem An ancient city of great historical and religious significance in Israel, often associated with covenantal events. 4. Marauders Bandits or robbers who lie in wait to ambush and attack unsuspecting travelers, symbolizing the treachery of the priests. 5. Ambush A surprise attack from a concealed position, used metaphorically to describe the priests' betrayal and violence. Teaching Points The Responsibility of LeadershipReligious leaders are held to a high standard and are accountable for guiding people in truth and righteousness. Corruption among leaders can lead to widespread moral decay. The Danger of Hypocrisy Just as the priests in Hosea's time were guilty of hypocrisy, believers today must guard against outward religiosity that lacks inward transformation and genuine faith. The Call to Repentance Hosea's message is a call to return to God with sincere hearts. True repentance involves turning away from sin and seeking God's mercy and forgiveness. The Consequences of Sin The actions of the priests had severe consequences for themselves and the nation. Sin, especially among leaders, can have far-reaching effects. The Hope of Restoration Despite the grim picture painted by Hosea, there is always hope for restoration when God's people turn back to Him in humility and faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Hosea 6:9?2. How does Hosea 6:9 illustrate the consequences of straying from God's path? 3. What parallels exist between Hosea 6:9 and modern-day spiritual leadership challenges? 4. How can we guard against the "bands of priests" behavior in Hosea 6:9? 5. What other scriptures warn against leaders leading people into sin like Hosea 6:9? 6. How can Hosea 6:9 inspire us to pursue righteousness in our communities? 7. How does Hosea 6:9 reflect the corruption among religious leaders in ancient Israel? 8. What historical context explains the violent imagery in Hosea 6:9? 9. How does Hosea 6:9 challenge the integrity of spiritual leaders today? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Hosea 6? 11. What are Jacob's prophecies in the Bible? 12. What are Jacob's prophetic blessings for his sons? 13. Hosea 13:4: How can God declare 'there is no Savior besides Me' while other passages depict human saviors or mediators, seeming to contradict this exclusivity? 14. What does 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice' mean? What Does Hosea 6:9 Mean Like raiders who lie in ambushHosea pictures priests as highwaymen hiding beside the road. His simile pulls the reader into a bleak scene: • Raiders wait for unsuspecting travelers, driven by greed and violence (Proverbs 1:11-12). • The ambush is premeditated; it happens in the shadows, away from accountability (Psalm 10:8). • Spiritual leaders, meant to guard and guide (Numbers 3:6-8), have turned predatory. So does a band of priests Instead of protecting Israel, the very ones who minister at the altar form a “band”—a word that hints at organized wrongdoing. • God had charged priests to teach truth (Malachi 2:7-8), but corruption now links them together like thieves. • They share guilt with princes and prophets (Jeremiah 2:8; Ezekiel 22:26), showing systemic decay, not isolated failure. • Their collusion reveals how far covenant guardians can drift when hearts grow cold (Isaiah 29:13). They murder on the way to Shechem Shechem lay on a main north–south route and was designated a city of refuge (Joshua 20:7). Ironically, the road meant for safety becomes a killing ground. • The reference may recall times when priests escorted pilgrims to feasts (Deuteronomy 16:16); travelers now face death from those expected to bless them. • Shechem’s own history includes bloodshed and broken covenants (Genesis 34; Judges 9:4-5), making the location a fitting symbol of betrayal. • The image insists the priests’ violence is literal, not merely figurative, aligning with Hosea’s overall indictment of blood guilt (Hosea 4:2). Surely they have committed atrocities “Surely” seals the charge—God is witness, the verdict is final (Jeremiah 7:11). • Atrocities conveys both moral horror and covenant treachery (Hosea 9:9). • Their sin defiles worship, nullifies sacrifice, and invites judgment (1 Samuel 2:29-34; Ezekiel 9:9). • The word reminds Israel that hidden sin is never hidden from God (Hebrews 4:13). summary Hosea 6:9 paints priests as organized criminals ambushing travelers near Shechem. Those called to safeguard life and truth instead prey on God’s people, carrying out literal acts of bloodshed and covenant-breaking wickedness. The verse warns that when spiritual leaders abandon God’s standards, they become as dangerous as road bandits, and their atrocities ensure divine judgment. (9) Should be rendered, As a robber lies in wait, so the company of priests murder on the road to Shechem; yea, they execute the plot. Shechem, charged with historic interest (Genesis to Judges), is also a city of refuge, a Levitical city, on the road to Bethel, where the priests of the calves resided. (Comp. Hosea 5:1.)Hebrew Like raidersגְּדוּדִ֗ים (gə·ḏū·ḏîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1416: A band, troop who lie in ambush, וּכְחַכֵּ֨י (ū·ḵə·ḥak·kê) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 2442: To adhere to, to await [so does] a band חֶ֚בֶר (ḥe·ḇer) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2267: Company, association, spell of priests; כֹּֽהֲנִ֔ים (kō·hă·nîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3548: Priest they murder יְרַצְּחוּ־ (yə·raṣ·ṣə·ḥū-) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7523: To dash in pieces, kill, to murder on the way דֶּ֖רֶךְ (de·reḵ) Noun - common singular Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action to Shechem; שֶׁ֑כְמָה (šeḵ·māh) Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 7927: Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor surely כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction they have committed עָשֽׂוּ׃ (‘ā·śū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 6213: To do, make atrocities. זִמָּ֖ה (zim·māh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2154: A plan, device, wickedness Links Hosea 6:9 NIVHosea 6:9 NLT Hosea 6:9 ESV Hosea 6:9 NASB Hosea 6:9 KJV Hosea 6:9 BibleApps.com Hosea 6:9 Biblia Paralela Hosea 6:9 Chinese Bible Hosea 6:9 French Bible Hosea 6:9 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Hosea 6:9 As gangs of robbers wait to ambush (Ho Hs Hos.) |
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