Hosea 8:1-7

Divine proclamation about Israel’s idolatry

1 Put a trumpet to your lips! It's as if a bird of prey has flown over the LORD's house, because they have broken my covenant, and have not kept my Instruction.

2 Israel cries to me, "My God, we know you!"

3 Israel has turned away from the good; the enemy will pursue him.

4 They set up kings, but not through me; they chose princes, but without my knowledge. With silver and gold they crafted idols for their own destruction.

5 Your calf is rejected, Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will they remain guilty?

6 The calf is from Israel, a person made it; it is not God. The calf of Samaria will be smashed.

7 Because they sow the wind, they will get the whirlwind. Standing grain, but no fresh growth; it will yield no meal; if it were to yield, strangers would devour it.

Hosea 8:1-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO HOSEA 8

This chapter treats of the sins and punishment of Israel for them, as the preceding; it is threatened and proclaimed that an enemy should come swiftly against them, because of their transgression of the covenant and law of God, Ho 8:1; their hypocrisy is exposed, Ho 8:2; they are charged with the rejection of that which is good, and therefore should be pursued by the enemy, Ho 8:3; with setting up kings and princes without consulting the Lord, Ho 8:4; and with making of idols, particularly the golden calves, which would be of no use to them, disappoint them, and at last be broke to pieces, Ho 8:4-6; their seeking to their neighbours for help, and entering into alliances with them, are represented as vain and fruitless, and issuing in their ruin and destruction, Ho 8:7-10; their sins of multiplying altars, contrary to the law of God, and in contempt of it, and offering sacrifices to the Lord, are observed; and they with a visitation from him, Ho 8:11-13; and the chapter is concluded with some notice and Judah, the one building temples, and multiplying fenced cities, which should be by fire, Ho 8:14.