Hosea 13

1. When Ephraim spake trembling, etc. This clause is very obscure. R.V. renders it, “When Ephraim spake there was trembling; he exalted himself in Israel”; and they apply it to the predominance of that tribe.

when he offended in Baal. By introducing the worship of Baal. Then “he died,” i.e., lost the principle of national life. That great act of apostasy sealed the downfall of the kingdom.

2. Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves. See note on Job xxxi. 27. This verse appears to refer to the establishment of the calf-worship by Jeroboam. Having made their images, they say, “Let those who wish to perform religious service worship the calf, instead of going to Jerusalem”: see 1 Kings xii. 28.

3 the chimney. Or, “the opening” in the wall; the lattice.

5. I did know thee. I regarded thee with favour.

6. According to their pasture. The meaning is, “According as they were fed, they were also satiated”: cp. Deut. xxxii. 13-15.

8 the caul of their heart. The pericardium, or membrane which contains the heart; put for the heart itself.

9. O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself, etc. Rather, as R.V., “It is thy destruction, O Israel, that [thou art] against Me, against thy help.” Canon Box (Peake’s Commentary) translates the last three words as “who can help thee?”

10. I will be thy king, etc. Rather, “Where now is thy king, that he may save thee in all thy cities?” (R.V.).

11. I gave thee a king in mine anger. Referring to their kingly government in general.

12. The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up. See Job xiv. 17, and note.

hid. Rather, “laid up in store,” as R.V.

13. The sorrows of a travelling woman. This metaphor represents the extreme folly of the impenitent Israelites, who endangered their existence by delaying to comply with God’s design in laying upon them their sufferings. The “unwise son” is the child who cannot emerge into birth.

JOEL]

O death, I will be thy plagues, etc. Many slightly alter the pointing, and render (as in ver. 10), “Where is thy plague, O death? Where is thy destruction, O grave (Sheol)?” See R.V., and cp. 1 Cor. xv. 55. The words intimate Jehovah’s power and readiness to restore the nation to life if they repent: cp. Isa. xxvi. 19; Ezek. xxxvii. 13, and notes.

Repentance shall be hid from Mine eyes. Meaning, perhaps, “My purposes are unchangeable.”

15. Though he be fruitful. Alluding to the name “Ephraim”: see Gen. xli. 52.

He shall spoil. That is, the Assyrian enemy, symbolised by the east wind.

(This 15th verse is in the Hebrew followed by the Septuagint and the Vulgate, the 1st verse of ch. xiv.)