Hosea 13:1

CHAPTER XIII

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, 1-3.

As an aggravation of their guilt, God reminds them of his

former favours, 4, 5;

which they had shamefully abused, 6;

and which now expose them to dreadful punishments, 7, 8.

He, however, tempers these awful threatenings with gracious

promises; and, on their repentance, engages to save them, when

no other could protect them, 9-11.

But, alas! instead of repenting, Ephraim is filling up the

measure of his iniquity, 12, 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, 14;

although, in the meantime, they must be visited with great

national calamities, compared first to the noxious and parching

east wind, 15,

and described immediately after in the plainest terms, 16.

NOTES ON CHAP. XIII

Verse Hosea 13:1. When Ephraim spake trembling] When he was meek and humble, of a broken heart and contrite spirit.

He exalted himself in Israel] He became great in God's sight; he rose in the Divine esteem in proportion as he sank in his own. But this did not continue.

He offended in Baal] He became an idolater.

He died.] The sentence of death from the Divine justice went out against him.

This has been differently understood: "As soon as Ephraim spake (To your tents, O Israel!) There was a trembling or commotion: then the kingdom was exalted in Israel." Thus taken, it refers to the division of the ten tribes from Rehoboam, son of Solomon, 1 Kings 12:16, c., and the establishment of the kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam in opposition to that of Judah which breach was never healed.