Oseas 13:1-8

1 La ira de Dios contra Israel
Cuando hablaba la tribu de Efraín,
el pueblo temblaba de miedo
porque esa tribu era importante en Israel;
pero la gente de Efraín pecó al rendir culto a Baal
y así selló su destrucción.

2 Ahora siguen pecando, haciendo ídolos de plata,
imágenes hábilmente formadas por manos humanas.
«¡Ofrézcanles sacrificios —gritan—
y besen a ídolos que tienen forma de becerros!».

3 Por lo tanto, desaparecerán como la neblina de la mañana,
como el rocío bajo el sol del amanecer,
como paja llevada por el viento
y como el humo de una chimenea.

4 «He sido el Señor
tu Dios
desde que te saqué de Egipto.
No debes reconocer a ningún otro Dios aparte de mí,
porque no hay otro salvador.

5 Yo te cuidé en el desierto,
en esa tierra árida y sedienta;

6 pero una vez que comiste y quedaste satisfecho,
te volviste orgulloso y te olvidaste de mí.

7 Entonces ahora yo te atacaré como un león,
como un leopardo que acecha en el camino.

8 Como una osa a quien le robaron sus cachorros,
arrancaré tu corazón.
Te devoraré como una leona hambrienta
y te destrozaré como un animal salvaje.

Oseas 13:1-8 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.