1 When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling. He exalted himself in Israel, but when he became guilty in Baal, he died. 2 Now they sin more and more, and have made themselves molten images of their silver, even idols according to their own understanding, all of them the work of the craftsmen. They say of them, 'They offer human sacrifice and kiss the calves.' 3 Therefore they will be like the morning mist, and like the dew that passes away early, like the chaff that is driven with the whirlwind out of the threshing floor, and like the smoke out of the chimney. 4 "Yet I am Yahweh your God from the land of Egypt; and you shall acknowledge no god but me, and besides me there is no savior. 5 I knew you in the wilderness, in the land of great drought. 6 According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted. Therefore they have forgotten me. 7 Therefore I am like a lion to them. Like a leopard, I will lurk by the path. 8 I will meet them like a bear that is bereaved of her cubs, and will tear the covering of their heart. There I will devour them like a lioness. The wild animal will tear them. 9 You are destroyed, Israel, because you are against me, against your help. 10 Where is your king now, that he may save you in all your cities? And your judges, of whom you said, 'Give me a king and princes?' 11 I have given you a king in my anger, and have taken him away in my wrath. 12 The guilt of Ephraim is stored up. His sin is stored up. 13 The sorrows of a travailing woman will come on him. He is an unwise son; for when it is time, he doesn't come to the opening of the womb. 14 I will ransom them from the power of Sheol. I will redeem them from death! Death, where are your plagues? Sheol, where is your destruction? "Compassion will be hidden from my eyes. 15 Though he is fruitful among his brothers, an east wind will come, the breath of Yahweh coming up from the wilderness; and his spring will become dry, and his fountain will be dried up. He will plunder the storehouse of treasure. 16 Samaria will bear her guilt; for she has rebelled against her God. They will fall by the sword. Their infants will be dashed in pieces, and their pregnant women will be ripped open."
Thus chapter begins with observing that the fear of God leads to prosperity, but sin to ruin; a truth most visibly exemplified in the sin and punishment of Ephraim, Hosea 13:1-3. As an aggravation of their guilt, God reminds them of his former favors, Hosea 13:4, Hosea 13:5; which they had shamefully abused, Hosea 13:6; and which now expose them to dreadful punishments, Hosea 13:7, Hosea 13:8. He, however, tempers these awful threatenings with gracious promises; and, on their repentance, engages to save them, when no other could protect them, Hosea 13:9-11. But, alas! instead of repenting, Ephraim is filling up the measure of his iniquity, Hosea 13:12, Hosea 13:13. Notwithstanding this, God promises to put forth has almighty power in behalf of his people, and, as it were, raise them from the dead, Hosea 13:14; although, in the meantime, they must be visited with great national calamities, compared first to the noxious and parching east wind, Hosea 13:15, and described immediately after in the plainest terms, Hosea 13:16.
INTRODUCTION TO HOSEA 13
This chapter begins with observing the different state and condition of Ephraim before and after his idolatry, Hosea 13:1; his increase in it, Hosea 13:2; and therefore his prosperity was very short lived, which is signified by various metaphors, Hosea 13:3; and his sins are aggravated by the former goodness of God unto him his great ingratitude unto God, and forgetfulness him, Hosea 13:4; hence he is threatened with his wrath and vengeance in a very severe manner, Hosea 13:7; 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, Hosea 13:9; though not in his king he had desired, and was given, and was took away in wrath, Hosea 13:10; but his sin being bound up and hid, and he foolish and unwise, sharp corrections would be given him, Hosea 13:12; and yet a gracious promise is made of redemption from death and the grave by the Messiah, Hosea 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, Hosea 13:15.
(Hosea 13:1-8) The abuse of God's favour leads to punishment.
(Hosea 13:9-16) A promise of God's mercy.
*More commentary available by clicking individual verses.