Book of Hosea - Chapter 6 - Verse 5

The verse "Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth" is a powerful reminder of how God communicates with his people. In this verse, God speaks about the discipline and correction that he administers to his followers through the prophets. The imagery of hewing and slaying emphasizes the severity of these actions, highlighting the need for repentance and obedience. The reference to God's judgments being like light conveys the idea of clarity and righteousness in his decisions. Just as light exposes darkness, God's judgments reveal the truth and lead his people towards righteousness.

In this verse, the speaker, believed to be God, expresses how He has disciplined the people through the prophets' messages and His spoken words. The act of hewing can be understood as a form of shaping or cutting away imperfections to refine the people, much like a sculptor shaping a piece of stone. By using the prophets as His instruments, God corrects and guides His people back to the right path. The phrase "I have slain them by the words of my mouth" may seem harsh, but it signifies the power and effectiveness of God's words in bringing about both spiritual death to sin and new life in Him. The following statement about God's judgments being as light that goes forth indicates clarity, truth, and righteousness in His decrees. The light symbolizes God's revelation and guidance, illuminating the right way for His people to follow. Overall, this verse highlights the theological concept of God's discipline, correction, and guidance through His spoken word, emphasizing the importance of obedience and repentance.