Hosea 8:1-10

1 “Sound the alarm! The enemy descends like an eagle on the people of the LORD, for they have broken my covenant and revolted against my law.

2 Now Israel pleads with me, ‘Help us, for you are our God!’

3 But it is too late. The people of Israel have rejected what is good, and now their enemies will chase after them.

4 The people have appointed kings without my consent, and princes without my approval. By making idols for themselves from their silver and gold, they have brought about their own destruction.

5 “O Samaria, I reject this calf— this idol you have made. My fury burns against you. How long will you be incapable of innocence?

6 This calf you worship, O Israel, was crafted by your own hands! It is not God! Therefore, it must be smashed to bits.

7 “They have planted the wind and will harvest the whirlwind. The stalks of grain wither and produce nothing to eat. And even if there is any grain, foreigners will eat it.

8 The people of Israel have been swallowed up; they lie among the nations like an old discarded pot.

9 Like a wild donkey looking for a mate, they have gone up to Assyria. The people of Israel have sold themselves— sold themselves to many lovers.

10 But though they have sold themselves to many allies, I will now gather them together for judgment. Then they will writhe under the burden of the great king.

Hosea 8:1-10 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO HOSEA 8

This chapter treats of the sins and punishment of Israel for them, as the preceding; it is threatened and proclaimed that an enemy should come swiftly against them, because of their transgression of the covenant and law of God, Ho 8:1; their hypocrisy is exposed, Ho 8:2; they are charged with the rejection of that which is good, and therefore should be pursued by the enemy, Ho 8:3; with setting up kings and princes without consulting the Lord, Ho 8:4; and with making of idols, particularly the golden calves, which would be of no use to them, disappoint them, and at last be broke to pieces, Ho 8:4-6; their seeking to their neighbours for help, and entering into alliances with them, are represented as vain and fruitless, and issuing in their ruin and destruction, Ho 8:7-10; their sins of multiplying altars, contrary to the law of God, and in contempt of it, and offering sacrifices to the Lord, are observed; and they with a visitation from him, Ho 8:11-13; and the chapter is concluded with some notice and Judah, the one building temples, and multiplying fenced cities, which should be by fire, Ho 8:14.

Footnotes

• [a]. Hebrew Ephraim, referring to the northern kingdom of Israel; also in 8:11 .