They return, but not upward; they are like a treacherous bow; their princes shall fall by the sword because of the insolence of their tongue. This shall be their derision in the land of Egypt.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss is that their "return" isn't a genuine turning back to God, but a shift to something else entirely, described as "not upward." This subtle phrasing highlights that their movement is fundamentally flawed, like a "deceitful bow" that looks ready to shoot but is warped, ultimately missing its intended mark and even potentially harming the archer.
They return, but not upward; they are like a treacherous bow; their princes shall fall by the sword because of the insolence of their tongue. This shall be their derision in the land of Egypt.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Hosea has been detailing Israel's deep corruption and how their reliance on Egypt for help is a false hope, leading them further into sin. This verse continues that critique, describing their futile attempts at returning to their idols or alliances rather than truly turning back to God. It predicts a swift and shameful downfall for their leaders, a public humiliation that even their supposed allies in Egypt will witness and mock.
Sometimes we think we're moving forward, but we're actually going in circles or even backwards. What does it look like to 'return' but not 'upward'?
The verse opens with a stark statement: 'They return, but not upward.' This isn't a simple backslide; it's a perversion of what returning should be. Imagine someone setting off on a journey with a destination in mind, but instead of heading towards it, they're wandering aimlessly or even heading in the opposite direction. That's Israel's spiritual state.
When the prophet says they 'return, but not upward,' he means their 'return' isn't a genuine turning towards God (the Most High) or towards righteousness. Instead, their movements are superficial, hypocritical, or directed towards something utterly contrary to God. They might change their outward actions, but their hearts remain unrepentant and turned away from the true Source of life and salvation.
A bow is useless if it can't hit the target. Israel is compared to a 'treacherous bow' – what does this say about their actions and their trust?
The image of a 'treacherous bow' is powerful. A bow is designed to launch an arrow accurately towards a specific mark. But a treacherous or deceitful bow is flawed. It might look like it's aiming correctly, but due to its faulty construction or warping, the arrow flies wide, misses the target, or even shoots back at the archer.
This is precisely how Israel is acting. They might engage in religious acts or make alliances (like with Egypt), appearing to be aiming for safety or righteousness. However, their underlying sin and misplaced trust mean their efforts are completely misdirected. Instead of hitting the mark of God's favor and protection, their actions lead to disaster, their 'arrows' of rebellion and misplaced confidence striking themselves and bringing ruin.
Ask a follow-up
Words have power, and 'insolence of tongue' is directly linked to the 'sword.' What is the connection between our speech and divine judgment?
The verse makes a chilling connection: 'their princes shall fall by the sword because of the insolence of their tongue.' This isn't just about idle chatter; it's about arrogant, defiant speech that rebels against God and His prophets. This 'rage of their tongue,' as some commentators describe it, includes boasting, lies, and blasphemy.
Israel's leaders were so full of pride and insolence that their words actively defied God and His warnings. They trusted in their alliances with Egypt and mocked God's messengers. The consequence? Their own words, filled with defiance and misplaced confidence, become the very fuel for their destruction. The sword of judgment falls upon them, and their ultimate downfall becomes a spectacle, even a 'derision in the land of Egypt,' the very place they wrongly trusted.
Understand the original words
shuv · Hebrew Verb
To turn back or repent; in a spiritual context, it refers to the act of returning to God in obedience or turning away from Him in rebellion.
remiyyah · Hebrew Adjective
Deceitful, unreliable, or unfaithful; often used to describe those who betray a covenant relationship, particularly Israel's unfaithfulness to Yahweh.
sar · Hebrew Noun
Leaders, officials, or those in positions of authority; often held to a higher standard of accountability because of their influence over the nation.
chereb · Hebrew Noun
An instrument of judgment or warfare; often symbolizes the power of God's wrath or the consequence of human rebellion.
ebrah · Hebrew Noun
Arrogance, pride, or overflowing fury; specifically refers to speech that is defiant against God or others, revealing the state of the heart.
la'ag · Hebrew Noun
A state of being mocked, scorned, or disgraced; often the public consequence of failing to honor God.
mitsrayim · Hebrew Proper Noun
The literal nation of Egypt; biblically, it serves as a symbolic archetype of the world, slavery, and reliance on human strength rather than divine providence.
Hosea prophesies during a time of increasing Assyrian power and internal corruption in Israel. The verse's reference to Egypt as a source of derision likely points to Israel's failed reliance on Egyptian alliances, a pattern that would also be seen in Judah's later history, especially after the Battle of Carchemish diminished Egypt's strength.
c. 732 BC
Syro-Ephraimitic War
Assyria, under Tiglath-Pileser III, conquers the northern kingdom of Israel (Aram-Damascus is also attacked). Many Israelites are deported. This event significantly weakens the northern kingdom and sets the stage for future Assyrian campaigns.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, Samaria, falls to the Neo-Assyrian Empire under Shalmaneser V. This marks the end of the northern kingdom as an independent entity, and its people are exiled.
c. 716-705 BC
Reign of Hezekiah and Assyrian Pressure
King Hezekiah of Judah pays tribute to Assyrian king Sargon II. Later, during the reign of Sennacherib, Judah rebels. This period sees increasing Assyrian dominance in the region.
c. 701 BC
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
Assyrian king Sennacherib invades Judah, destroying many cities and besieging Jerusalem. Hezekiah relies on Egyptian promises of aid but ultimately pays a massive tribute to Assyria.
c. 626-609 BC
Neo-Babylonian Empire Rises
Following the decline of Assyria, the Neo-Babylonian Empire under rulers like Nabopolassar and Nebuchadnezzar II emerges as the dominant power in the region.
c. 609 BC
Battle of Carchemish
The Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar II decisively defeats the Egyptian forces at Carchemish. This victory solidifies Babylonian control over the Near East and significantly diminishes Egypt's regional influence.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar II besieges Jerusalem and carries away prominent citizens, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile for Judah.
This passage echoes Hosea's plea for Israel to truly return 'to the Most High,' emphasizing a sincere turning to God, not just a superficial change.
Psalm 78:57This psalm directly uses the metaphor of a 'deceitful bow' to describe Israel's unfaithfulness, paralleling Hosea's imagery of their unreliable turning away from God.
Isaiah 30:3-5This passage highlights the shame and derision that comes from trusting in Egypt for help, just as Hosea predicts Israel's reliance on Egypt will lead to their disgrace.
Romans 11:21This New Testament passage uses the metaphor of branches being broken off from a good olive tree to illustrate the consequences of unfaithfulness, similar to how Hosea warns of falling princes due to spiritual 'deceit.'
barnesHosea 7:16: "They return, but not to the most High: they are like a deceitful bow: their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue: this shall be their derision in the land of Egypt."
They return, but not to the most High - God exhorts by Jeremiah, "If thou wilt return, O Israel, saith the Lord, return unto Me" Jeremiah 4:1 . They changed, whenever they did change, with a feigned, hypocritical conversion, but not to God, nor acknowledging His Majesty. Man, until truly convert…
clarkeHosea 7:16: "They return, but not to the most High: they are like a deceitful bow: their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue: this shall be their derision in the land of Egypt."
They return, but not to the Most High - They go to their idols. They are like a deceitful bow - Which, when it is reflexed, in order to be strung, suddenly springs back into its quiescent curve; for the eastern bows stand in their quiescent state in a curve; and in order to be strung must be bea…
What's easy to miss is that their "return" isn't a genuine turning back to God, but a shift to something else entirely, described as "not upward." This subtle phrasing highlights that their movement is fundamentally flawed, like a "deceitful bow" that looks ready to shoot but is warped, ultimately missing its intended mark and even potentially harming the archer.
Hosea has been detailing Israel's deep corruption and how their reliance on Egypt for help is a false hope, leading them further into sin. This verse continues that critique, describing their futile attempts at returning to their idols or alliances rather than truly turning back to God. It predicts a swift and shameful downfall for their leaders, a public humiliation that even their supposed allies in Egypt will witness and mock.
Hosea has been detailing Israel's deep corruption and how their reliance on Egypt for help is a false hope, leading them further into sin. This verse continues that critique, describing their futile attempts at returning to their idols or alliances rather than truly turning back to God. It predicts a swift and shameful downfall for their leaders, a public humiliation that even their supposed allies in Egypt will witness and mock.
"They return, but not upward; they are like a treacherous bow; their princes shall fall by the sword because of the insolence of their tongue. This shall be their derision in the land of Egypt." — What's easy to miss is that their "return" isn't a genuine turning back to God, but a shift to something else entirely, described as "not upward." This subtle phrasing highlights that their movement…
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Last reviewed October 2026