Oseas 13:1-7

1 Cuando Efraín hablaba, reinaba el temor; se había exaltado a sí mismo en Israel, pero por causa de Baal pecó y murió.

2 Y ahora continúan pecando: se hacen imágenes fundidas, ídolos, con su plata, conforme a su pericia, todo ello obra de artífices. De ellos dicen: Que los hombres que sacrifican, besen los becerros.

3 Por tanto, serán como niebla de la mañana, y como rocío que pronto desaparece, como paja aventada de la era, y como humo de chimenea.

4 Mas yo he sido el SEÑOR tu Dios desde la tierra de Egipto; no reconocerás a otro dios fuera de mí, pues no hay más salvador que yo.

5 Yo te cuidé en el desierto, en tierra muy seca.

6 Cuando comían sus pastos, se saciaron, y al estar saciados, se ensoberbeció su corazón; por tanto, se olvidaron de mí.

7 Seré, pues, para ellos como león; como leopardo junto al camino acecharé.

Oseas 13:1-7 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.