Hosea 13:1-6

The LORD’s Anger Against Israel

1 When Ephraim spoke, people trembled; he was exalted in Israel. But he became guilty of Baal worship and died.
2 Now they sin more and more; they make idols for themselves from their silver, cleverly fashioned images, all of them the work of craftsmen. It is said of these people, “They offer human sacrifices! They kiss[a] calf-idols!”
3 Therefore they will be like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears, like chaff swirling from a threshing floor, like smoke escaping through a window.
4 “But I have been the LORD your God ever since you came out of Egypt. You shall acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me.
5 I cared for you in the wilderness, in the land of burning heat.
6 When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then 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.

Cross References 20

  • 1. Judges 12:1
  • 2. S Judges 8:1
  • 3. S Hosea 11:2
  • 4. Jeremiah 44:8
  • 5. S Isaiah 46:6; S Jeremiah 10:4
  • 6. Hosea 14:3
  • 7. 1 Kings 19:18
  • 8. S Isaiah 44:17-20; S Hosea 8:4
  • 9. S Hosea 6:4
  • 10. S Job 13:25; Psalms 1:4; S Isaiah 17:13
  • 11. Daniel 2:35
  • 12. Psalms 68:2
  • 13. S Jeremiah 2:6; S Hosea 12:9
  • 14. S Hosea 2:20
  • 15. S Exodus 20:3
  • 16. S Deuteronomy 28:29; Psalms 18:46; Isaiah 43:11; Isaiah 45:21-22
  • 17. S Deuteronomy 1:19
  • 18. S Ezekiel 28:5
  • 19. S Deuteronomy 32:18; S Isaiah 17:10
  • 20. Deuteronomy 32:12-15; S Proverbs 30:7-9; S Jeremiah 5:7; S Hosea 2:13; S Hosea 4:7

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or "“Men who sacrifice" / "kiss"
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