Book of Hosea - Chapter 5 - Verse 3

The verse 'I know Ephraim, and Israel is not hid from me: for now, O Ephraim, thou committest whoredom, and Israel is defiled,' is a powerful declaration from the book of Hosea in the Old Testament. In this verse, God is speaking to the people of Israel, specifically the tribe of Ephraim, to convey a message of reprimand and warning. The use of the metaphor of whoredom symbolizes the spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry of the Israelites towards God. Throughout the book of Hosea, the prophet uses the analogy of a husband and unfaithful wife to illustrate the relationship between God and His people. The verse serves as a reminder that God sees and knows everything that His people do, and they cannot hide their sins from Him. It also emphasizes the consequences of turning away from God and engaging in sinful behavior. By providing this context and explanation, readers can better understand the significance of this verse within the larger themes of the book of Hosea and the overall message of repentance and redemption.

In this verse, the word "whoredom" is used metaphorically to symbolize spiritual unfaithfulness or idolatry. This concept of spiritual adultery is a common theme throughout the Bible, where God's relationship with His people is often compared to a marriage covenant. When the people turn away from God and worship other gods, it is seen as a betrayal of this covenant, akin to adultery. The mention of Ephraim and Israel here is significant as they represent the northern kingdom of Israel as a whole. The knowledge of Ephraim and Israel not being hidden from God emphasizes His omniscience and awareness of their actions. By calling out their unfaithfulness, God is calling them to repentance and restoration of the covenant relationship. The use of such strong language underscores the severity of their sin and the need for them to turn back to God.