Hosea 13:1-6

Infidelity despite divine goodness

1 When Ephraim spoke, there was excitement; he was praised in Israel; but he became guilty through Baal and died.

2 And now they keep on sinning; they have made metal images, idols of silver, as a result of their skill, all of them the work of craftsmen. "Sacrifice to these," they say. People are kissing calves!

3 Therefore, they will be like the morning mist, like the dew that passes away early, like husks that swirl from the threshing floor, or like smoke from a window.

4 Yet I have been the LORD your God ever since the land of Egypt; and you will know no other gods but me; there is no savior besides me.

5 I knew you in the wilderness, in the land of no rain.

6 When I fed them, they were satisfied; and their hearts became proud; therefore, they forgot me.

Hosea 13:1-6 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.