Definition: The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel shall know [it]: the prophet [is] a fool, the spiritual man [is] mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 9:7. It's a really powerful and complex passage, but I’ll try to explain it in plain language. Here’s what it means, broken down: “The days of visitation are come…” – This is the core idea. “Visitation” refers to God’s judgment or attention. Think of it like a final check-up or a serious look at someone’s actions. It's not about anger; it’s about recognizing something wrong and needing to be corrected. “The days of recompence are come…” – This is a more direct translation of “recompense.” It means that God will finally hold people accountable for their choices and behavior. He'll bring consequences for what they do. It’s about fairness and justice. “…Israel shall know [it]” – This is the key phrase. "It" refers to Israel . This verse isn’t just saying Israel will know something; it means Israel will understand that they are in trouble. It's a call for them to realize their mistakes. “The prophet [is] a fool, the spiritual man [is] mad…” – This describes the reaction of those who are caught off guard by God’s judgment. A “fool” is someone who doesn't understand what’s happening and is blinded by their own pride or comfort. A “spiritual man” is someone who is deeply connected to God and understands his truth. Their response is intense, perhaps even irrational – it's a reaction of shock and disbelief. “For the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.” – This explains why this is happening. "Iniquity" means “sin” or “wrongdoing.” "Great hatred" refers to the deep anger and resentment that comes from acknowledging their failings. It's a powerful expression of shame and remorse. Overall Meaning & Context: Hosea 9:7 is essentially a warning about Israel’s behavior. God is saying, "You have been making mistakes, and you need to face the consequences." It’s a message of judgment, but also one of humbling and repentance. It's emphasizing that they need to understand their own shortcomings and be ready to change their ways. Important Note: This verse isn’t meant to be interpreted as a casual condemnation. It's a deeply serious statement about accountability and the necessity for repentance. It’s part of a larger theme in Hosea – God’s relentless pursuit of justice and restoration. To help me explain it even better, could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand more from this verse? (e.g., its message, its implications for Israel, or something else?)