Hosea 13 Commentary

Hosea 13 describes Israel's downfall, which begins with Ephraim, the most prominent tribe of the northern kingdom in Hosea's days. In the past, Ephraim was very fruitful and was highly respected. But because of pride, he turned to Baal worship and became fruitless. The situation went from bad to worse as the Israelites forgot their Suzerain (Ruler) God, the one who redeemed them from Egyptian bondage, protected them through their wilderness journey, and led them safely to the Promised Land.

Therefore, the LORD warns Israel that He will use a foreign army as His tool to judge them. Israel's unwise allegiance to the pagan fertility cult god Baal will cause them to deteriorate drastically and disappear as quickly as the morning cloud and dew before sunlight or as chaff and smoke. The outline of the passage is as follows:

1. The LORD states that Ephraim's devotion to the pagan fertility god Baal, and resulting violation of His covenant with Him, will cause the nation to disappear quickly like smoke pouring out a chimney (vv. 1–3).
2. Although the LORD blessed Israel, they have become prideful and forgotten Him. They have broken His covenant. God warns Israel that He will send an invader to attack and destroy their nation like a vicious wild animal to tear them to pieces, which is consistent with the provisions for breaking their covenant agreement. (vv. 4–8).
3. The LORD announces Israel's destruction because they have turned against Him. God will destroy their military and political establishments, leaving them with no source of help (vv. 9–11).
4. The LORD predicts that a powerful army will destroy Israel's villages in a brutal manner that includes the slaughter of children and ripping open of pregnant women. However, Hosea also predicts that Israel will resurrect, and in doing so foreshadows the resurrection of the Messiah, Jesus the Christ. (vv. 12–16).