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Hosea 13

World English Bible

WEB

1When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling. He exalted himself in Israel, but when he became guilty through Baal, he died. 2Now 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.’ 3Therefore they will be like the morning mist, 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. 5I knew you in the wilderness, in the land of great drought. 6According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted. Therefore they have forgotten me. 7Therefore I am like a lion to them. Like a leopard, I will lurk by the path. 8I 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. 9You are destroyed, Israel, because you are against me, against your helper. 10Where 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’? 11I have given you a king in my anger, and have taken him away in my wrath. 12The guilt of Ephraim is stored up. His sin is stored up. 13The 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. 14I 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. 15Though 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. 16Samaria 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.”

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Hosea Chapter 13 presents a poignant and sobering message from the Lord through the prophet #Hosea, addressing the unfaithfulness of #Israel. The chapter begins by recalling how Israel was once exalted and blessed by God, but as they prospered, they became arrogant and turned away from Him. The Lord reminds them that their prosperity led to their downfall, as they began to worship #idols and relied on their own strength rather than on Him. This theme of divine judgment for idolatry is a central focus, emphasizing the consequences of forsaking the true God for false gods.

The chapter continues with a vivid depiction of God's impending judgment. The Lord likens Israel to a lion, stating that He will be like a lion to them, tearing them apart and leaving them desolate. This imagery serves to illustrate the severity of the consequences that will come from their rebellion. God expresses His deep sorrow over Israel's choices, lamenting that they have forgotten Him, the one who brought them out of Egypt and provided for them. The chapter concludes with a stark warning about the futility of seeking help from foreign nations or idols, as only God can save them from their impending destruction. Ultimately, Hosea 13 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of turning away from His covenant love.

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13 of 14 dimensions

Referenced by

  1. Deuteronomy 6:12v6Deuteronomy 6:12 warns against forgetting the Lord after entering the promised land, a theme echoed in Hosea 13:6 where Israel is warned about forgetting God in times of prosperity.
  2. Deuteronomy 32:15v6Deuteronomy 32:15 describes Jeshurun growing fat and forsaking God. Hosea 13:6 similarly speaks of Israel becoming satisfied and forgetting God.
  3. 1 Samuel 8:7v10In 1 Samuel 8:7, God tells Samuel that the people's request for a king is a rejection of Him as their king. Hosea 13:10-11 reflects on this rejection and the consequences of Israel's demand for a human king.
  4. Psalms 49:15v14Psalm 49:15 expresses hope in God redeeming the soul from the grave, resonating with Hosea 13:14's promise of redemption from death.
  5. Isaiah 43:11v4Isaiah 43:11 states that there is no savior besides God, which is echoed in Hosea 13:4, affirming the exclusivity of God as Savior.

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