Hosea 13:1-9

1 When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling; he was exalted in Israel. But he incurred guilt through Baal and died.

2 Now they continue to sin and make themselves a cast image, idols skillfully made from their silver, all of them the work of craftsmen. People say about them, "Let the men who sacrifice^[a] kiss the calves."

3 Therefore, they will be like the morning mist, like the early dew that vanishes, like chaff blown from a threshing floor, or like smoke from a window.

Death and Resurrection

4 I have been the Lord your God ever since^[b] the land of Egypt; you know no God but Me, and no Savior exists besides Me.

5 I knew^[c] you in the wilderness, in the land of drought.

6 When they had pasture, they became satisfied; they were satisfied, and their hearts became proud. Therefore they forgot Me.

7 So I will be like a lion to them; I will lurk like a leopard on the path.

8 I will attack them like a bear robbed of her cubs and tear open the rib cage over their hearts. I will devour them there like a lioness, like a wild beast that would rip them open.

9 I will destroy you, Israel; you have no help but Me.^[d]

Hosea 13:1-9 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO HOSEA 13

This chapter begins with observing the different state and condition of Ephraim before and after his idolatry, Ho 13:1; his increase in it, Ho 13:2; and therefore his prosperity was very short lived, which is signified by various metaphors, Ho 13:3; and his sins are aggravated by the former goodness of God unto him his great ingratitude unto God, and forgetfulness him, Ho 13:4-6; hence he is threatened with his wrath and vengeance in a very severe manner, Ho 13:7,8; for which he had none to blame but himself; yea, such was the grace and goodness of God to him, that though he had destroyed himself, yet there were help and salvation for him in him, Ho 13:9; though not in his king he had desired, and was given, and was took away in wrath, Ho 13:10,11; but his sin being bound up and hid, and he foolish and unwise, sharp corrections would be given him, Ho 13:12,13; and yet a gracious promise is made of redemption from death and the grave by the Messiah, Ho 13:14; but, notwithstanding this, and all his present prosperity, he would be blasted in his wealth and riches; and Samaria the metropolis of his country would he desolate; and the inhabitants of it be used in the most cruel manner, because of their rebellion against God, Ho 13:15,16.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or Those who make human sacrifices; 2 Kg 17:16-17
• [b]. DSS, LXX read God who brought you out of
• [c]. LXX, Syr read fed
• [d]. LXX reads At your destruction, Israel, who will help you?