Hosea 13:10-16

10 You asked for a king and for leaders, but how can they save the nation? ¹

11 In my anger I have given you kings, and in my fury I have taken them away. ²

12 "Israel's sin and guilt are on record, and the records are safely stored away.

13 Israel has a chance to live, but is too foolish to take it - like a child about to be born, who refuses to come out of the womb.

14 I will not save this people from the world of the dead or rescue them from the power of death. Bring on your plagues, death! Bring on your destruction, world of the dead! I will no longer have pity for this people. ³

15 Even though Israel flourishes like weeds, I will send a hot east wind from the desert, and it will dry up their springs and wells. It will take away everything of value.

16 Samaria must be punished for rebelling against me. Her people will die in war; babies will be dashed to the ground, and pregnant women will be ripped open."

Hosea 13:10-16 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. 13.10 1 Samuel 8.5, 6.
• 2. 13.11 a 1 Samuel 10.17-24; b 1 Samuel 15.26.
• 3. 13.141 Corinthians 15.55.

Footnotes

• [a]. [Verse 10 in Hebrew is unclear.]
• [b]. [Some ancient translations] Bring on; [Hebrew] I will be.
• [c]. [Some ancient translations] Bring on; [Hebrew] I will be.
• [d]. [Probable text] like weeds; [Hebrew] among brothers.