16 The Israelites are stubborn, like a stubborn heifer. How then can the Lord pasture them like lambs in a meadow?

Other Translations of Hosea 4:16

King James Version

16 For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the Lord will feed them as a lamb in a large place.

English Standard Version

16 Like a stubborn heifer, Israel is stubborn; can the Lord now feed them like a lamb in a broad pasture?

The Message

16 Israel is stubborn as a mule. How can God lead him like a lamb to open pasture?

New King James Version

16 "For Israel is stubborn Like a stubborn calf; Now the Lord will let them forage Like a lamb in open country.

New Living Translation

16 Israel is stubborn, like a stubborn heifer. So should the Lord feed her like a lamb in a lush pasture?

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Hosea 4:16

Commentary on Hosea 4:12-19

(Read Hosea 4:12-19)

The people consulted images, and not the Divine word. This would lead to disorder and sin. Thus men prepare scourges for themselves, and vice is spread through a people. Let not Judah come near the idolatrous worship of Israel. For Israel was devoted to idols, and must now be let alone. When sinners cast off the easy yoke of Christ, they go on in sin till the Lord saith, Let them alone. Then they receive no more warnings, feel no more convictions: Satan takes full possession of them, and they ripen for destruction. It is a sad and sore judgment for any man to be let alone in sin. Those who are not disturbed in their sin, will be destroyed for their sin. May we be kept from this awful state; for the wrath of God, like a strong tempest, will soon hurry impenitent sinners into ruin.