Hosea 13:1-10

1 In the past, when the tribe of Ephraim spoke, the other tribes of Israel were afraid; they looked up to Ephraim. But the people sinned by worshiping Baal, and for this they will die.

2 They still keep on sinning by making metal images to worship - idols of silver, designed by human minds, made by human hands. And then they say, "Offer sacrifices to them!" How can anyone kiss those idols - idols in the shape of bulls!

3 And so these people will disappear like morning mist, like the dew that vanishes early in the day. They will be like chaff which the wind blows from the threshing place, like smoke from a chimney.

4 The Lord says, "I am the Lord your God, who led you out of Egypt. You have no God but me. I alone am your savior.

5 I took care of you in a dry, desert land. ¹

6 But when you entered the good land, you became full and satisfied, and then you grew proud and forgot me.

7 So I will attack you like a lion. Like a leopard I will lie in wait along your path.

8 I will attack you like a bear that has lost her cubs, and I will tear you open. Like a lion I will devour you on the spot, and will tear you to pieces like a wild animal.

9 "I will destroy you, people of Israel! Then who can help you?

10 You asked for a king and for leaders, but how can they save the nation? ²

Hosea 13:1-10 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.

Cross References

• 1. 13.5, 6Deuteronomy 8.11-17.
• 2. 13.10 1 Samuel 8.5, 6.

Footnotes

• [a]. [Probable text] And then they . . . bulls!; [Hebrew unclear.]
• [b]. [One ancient translation] who can help you?; [Hebrew] in me is your help.
• [c]. [Verse 10 in Hebrew is unclear.]