Commentary on Hosea

1When Ephraim spoke there was trembling; He exalted himself in Israel: But he sinned by Baal and died.

2And now they have added to their sin, And have made for themselves what is molten, From their silver, according to their own understanding, Even idols — all being the work of artificers: To each other they, who sacrifice men, say, — “Let them kiss the calves.”

3They shall therefore be like a morning cloud, Like the dew that rises up early, Like the chaff which is driven by a whirlwind from the floor, And like the smoke from the chimney.

4But I, Jehovah, am thy God from the land of Egypt; And a god besides me thou shouldst not know; For a Savior, there is none except me.

5I knew thee in the desert, in the land of droughts:

6According to their pastures they were filled; (459) They were filled, and their heart was elevated: And hence they forgat me.

7I will therefore be to them as a lion, As a leopard in the way I will lie in wait;

8I will meet them as a bereaved bear, And rend the inclosure of their heart; I will devour them as a lion; — The beast of the field shall tear them.

9Destroyed art thou, Israel, Though in me was thy help: (464)

10I will be the same; — thy king, where is he? To save thee in all thy cities, — And thy princes? — of whom thou hast said — “Give me a king and princes.”

11I gave thee a king in my anger, And took himaway in my fury.

12Sealed up is the iniquity of Ephraim, Laid up in store is his sin.

13The sorrows of one in travail shall come on him; He is an unwise son; For he should not stand long in the breaking forth of children.

14From the power of the grave would I deliver them, From death would I redeem them; I would be thy perdition, O death; I would be thy destruction, O grave: — Repentance is hid from my eyes.

15Though among his brethren he may increase, Yet there shall come an east wind The wind of Jehovah, ascending from the desert; And it will dry up his spring, And dried shall be his fountain; It will spoil the store of every desirable vessel.

16Desolated shall be Samaria, For she has provoked her God: By the sword shall they fall; Their infants shall be dashed in pieces, Their pregnant women shall be ripped up.