Book of Hosea - Chapter 4 - Verse 13

The verse "They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms, because the shadow thereof is good: therefore your daughters shall commit whoredom, and your spouses shall commit adultery." is a warning from the prophet Hosea to the Israelites who had turned to pagan rituals and idol worship. In ancient times, offering sacrifices on mountain tops and burning incense in natural settings like under trees was a common practice among those who worshipped false gods. The mention of daughters committing whoredom and spouses committing adultery symbolizes the spiritual unfaithfulness of the people to God. By engaging in these sinful practices, the Israelites were abandoning their relationship with the one true God and turning to idols, leading to moral decay and societal breakdown. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from God's commandments and the importance of remaining faithful to Him.

This verse from the book of Hosea describes a troubling spiritual decline among the people of Israel. The act of sacrificing on mountaintops and burning incense on hills was a form of idolatry, as these high places were often associated with pagan worship. The mention of oaks, poplars, and elms further emphasizes the idolatrous nature of these practices, as trees were sometimes worshipped as sacred symbols. The people engaged in these rituals because they believed the shadow of these trees brought them good fortune. However, the consequences of their actions were severe, as indicated by the mention of daughters committing whoredom and spouses committing adultery. This verse serves as a warning against the dangers of idolatry and the spiritual consequences that can result from turning away from the true worship of God.