Hosea 13:5-15

5 I cared for them in the desert where it was hot and dry.

6 I gave them food, and they became full and satisfied. But then they became too proud and forgot me.

7 That is why I will be like a lion to them, like a leopard waiting by the road.

8 I will attack like a bear robbed of her cubs, ripping their bodies open. I will devour them like a lion and tear them apart like a wild animal.

9 "Israel, I will destroy you. Who will be your helper then?

10 What good is your king? Can he save you in any of your towns? What good are your leaders? You said, 'Give us a king and leaders.'

11 So I gave you a king, but only in anger, and I took him away in my great anger.

12 The sins of Israel are on record, stored away, waiting for punishment.

13 The pain of birth will come for him, but he is like a foolish baby who won't come out of its mother's womb.

14 Will I save them from the place of the dead? Will I rescue them from death? Where is your sickness, death? Where is your pain, place of death? I will show them no mercy.

15 Israel is doing well among the nations, but the Lord will send a wind from the east, coming from the desert, that will dry up his springs and wells of water. He will destroy from their treasure houses everything of value.

Hosea 13:5-15 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.