When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling; he was exalted in Israel. But he incurred guilt through Baal, and he died. When Ephraim spokeThe name "Ephraim" refers to one of the tribes of Israel, often used as a representative for the Northern Kingdom due to its prominence and size. The Hebrew root for Ephraim, "אֶפְרַיִם" (Ephrayim), means "fruitful," reflecting the tribe's initial prosperity and influence. Historically, Ephraim held a position of leadership and authority, and when they spoke, it commanded attention and respect. This phrase highlights the power and influence Ephraim once wielded, suggesting a time when their words carried weight and caused "trembling" among the people, indicating reverence and fear. there was trembling
The Hebrew word used here is "רְתֵת" (retet), which conveys a sense of fear or awe. This trembling signifies the respect and authority Ephraim commanded in Israel. It reflects a time when Ephraim's leadership was acknowledged and their decisions were met with serious consideration. This trembling can also be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual authority and responsibility that Ephraim had, which was recognized by the other tribes. he was exalted in Israel
The exaltation of Ephraim in Israel points to a period of prosperity and high status. The Hebrew root "נָשָׂא" (nasa) means to lift up or exalt. Ephraim's exaltation was not just in terms of political power but also in terms of spiritual leadership. This phrase underscores the tribe's significant role in the history of Israel, where they were seen as leaders and were held in high esteem by the other tribes. But he incurred guilt through Baal
The turning point in the verse is marked by the word "But," indicating a shift from Ephraim's former glory to their downfall. The Hebrew word for "incurred guilt" is "אָשַׁם" (asham), which implies a deep sense of wrongdoing or sin. The reference to "Baal" highlights the idolatry that led to Ephraim's spiritual and moral decline. Baal worship was a significant issue in Israel, representing a departure from the worship of Yahweh. This phrase serves as a warning about the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from God. and died
The finality of the phrase "and died" signifies the spiritual death that resulted from Ephraim's idolatry. The Hebrew word "מוּת" (muth) means to die, indicating not just a physical death but a separation from the life and blessings that come from God. This death is symbolic of the loss of Ephraim's former glory and the consequences of their unfaithfulness. It serves as a sobering reminder of the wages of sin and the importance of remaining faithful to God. Persons / Places / Events 1. EphraimEphraim was one of the tribes of Israel, often representing the Northern Kingdom as a whole. It was known for its strength and influence among the tribes. 2. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, consisting of twelve tribes. In this context, it refers to the Northern Kingdom, which often fell into idolatry. 3. BaalA Canaanite deity that Israel frequently turned to in idolatry, representing a significant departure from worshiping Yahweh. 4. HoseaA prophet in the 8th century BC, called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. 5. IdolatryThe worship of idols or false gods, which was a recurring sin for Israel and led to their downfall. Teaching Points The Danger of IdolatryIdolatry leads to spiritual death and separation from God. Ephraim's exaltation turned to downfall due to their idolatry. The Influence of LeadershipEphraim's initial influence and leadership in Israel show the power of leadership. When leaders turn away from God, they can lead others astray. The Consequences of SinSin, particularly idolatry, has severe consequences. Ephraim's guilt led to their downfall, reminding us of the importance of repentance. The Call to RepentanceDespite the judgment, God's desire is for His people to return to Him. Hosea's message is ultimately one of hope and restoration. The Importance of FaithfulnessFaithfulness to God is crucial. Ephraim's account warns us to remain steadfast in our devotion to God, avoiding the allure of modern-day idols. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Ephraim in Hosea 13:1 serve as a warning against idolatry in our own lives today? 2. In what ways can we identify and remove "modern-day idols" that may be present in our lives? 3. How does the leadership of Ephraim reflect the responsibility of spiritual leaders today? What lessons can be learned? 4. What are the consequences of sin, as illustrated in Hosea 13:1, and how can we seek God's forgiveness and restoration? 5. How can we apply the message of Hosea 13:1 to ensure we remain faithful to God in a world full of distractions and temptations? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:3-5This passage outlines the first and second commandments, which prohibit idolatry. It connects to Hosea 13:1 by highlighting the sin of turning to Baal. 1 Kings 18The account of Elijah confronting the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel illustrates the futility of Baal worship and God's supremacy. Judges 2:11-15This passage describes Israel's cycle of sin, including idolatry, which parallels the situation in Hosea's time. Isaiah 57:13This verse speaks of the futility of idols and the need to rely on God alone, reinforcing the message of Hosea 13:1. People HoseaPlaces Egypt, SamariaTopics Baal, Ba'al, Becometh, Death, Died, Dieth, Ephraim, E'phraim, Evil, Exalted, Guilt, Guilty, Incurred, Law, Lifted, Offended, Overtook, Spake, Speaketh, Spoke, Trembled, Trembling, Tremblingly, Trespassed, Worship, WrongDictionary of Bible Themes Hosea 13:1 7312 Baal Hosea 13:1-2 8747 false gods Hosea 13:1-3 5211 art Library Destruction and Help
'O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in Me is thine help.'--HOSEA xiii. 9 (A.V.). 'It is thy destruction, O Israel, that thou art against Me, against thy Help' (R.V.). These words are obscure by reason of their brevity. Literally they might be rendered, 'Thy destruction for, in, or against Me; in, or against thy Help.' Obviously, some words must be supplied to bring out any sense. Our Authorised Version has chosen the supplement 'is,' which fails to observe the second occurrence with 'thy …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureLetter xxxvi (Circa A. D. 1131) to the Same Hildebert, who had not yet Acknowledged the Lord Innocent as Pope.
To the Same Hildebert, Who Had Not Yet Acknowledged the Lord Innocent as Pope. He exhorts him to recognise Innocent, now an exile in France, owing to the schism of Peter Leonis, as the rightful Pontiff. To the great prelate, most exalted in renown, Hildebert, by the grace of God Archbishop of Tours, Bernard, called Abbot of Clairvaux, sends greeting, and prays that he may walk in the Spirit, and spiritually discern all things. 1. To address you in the words of the prophet, Consolation is hid from …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux The Joyous Return
"When God's right arm is bared for war, And thunders clothe his cloudy car." e'en then he stays his uplifted hand, reins in the steeds of vengeance, and holds communion with grace; "for his mercy endureth for ever," and "judgment is his strange work." To use another figure: the whole book of Hosea is like a great trial wherein witnesses have appeared against the accused, and the arguments and excuses of the guilty have been answered and baffled. All has been heard for them, and much, very much against …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891 "For if Ye Live after the Flesh, Ye Shall Die; but if Ye through the Spirit do Mortify the Deeds of the Body, Ye Shall Live.
Rom. viii. s 13, 14.--"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." The life and being of many things consists in union,--separate them, and they remain not the same, or they lose their virtue. It is much more thus in Christianity, the power and life of it consists in the union of these things that God hath conjoined, so that if any man pretend to …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning How a Private Man must Begin the Morning with Piety.
As soon as ever thou awakest in the morning, keep the door of thy heart fast shut, that no earthly thought may enter, before that God come in first; and let him, before all others, have the first place there. So all evil thoughts either will not dare to come in, or shall the easier be kept out; and the heart will more savour of piety and godliness all the day after; but if thy heart be not, at thy first waking, filled with some meditations of God and his word, and dressed, like the lamp in the tabernacle …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety What the Scriptures Principally Teach: the Ruin and Recovery of Man. Faith and Love Towards Christ.
2 Tim. i. 13.--"Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." Here is the sum of religion. Here you have a compend of the doctrine of the Scriptures. All divine truths may be reduced to these two heads,--faith and love; what we ought to believe, and what we ought to do. This is all the Scriptures teach, and this is all we have to learn. What have we to know, but what God hath revealed of himself to us? And what have we to do, but what …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Thoughts Upon Striving to Enter at the Strait Gate.
AS certainly as we are here now, it is not long but we shall all be in another World, either in a World of Happiness, or else in a World of Misery, or if you will, either in Heaven or in Hell. For these are the two only places which all Mankind from the beginning of the World to the end of it, must live in for evermore, some in the one, some in the other, according to their carriage and behaviour here; and therefore it is worth the while to take a view and prospect now and then of both these places, …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
Several interpreters, Paulus especially, have asserted that the interpretation of Micah which is here given, was that of the Sanhedrim only, and not of the Evangelist, who merely recorded what happened and was said. But this assertion is at once refuted when we consider the object which Matthew has in view in his entire representation of the early life of Jesus. His object in recording the early life of Jesus is not like that of Luke, viz., to communicate historical information to his readers. …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Hosea
The book of Hosea divides naturally into two parts: i.-iii. and iv.-xiv., the former relatively clear and connected, the latter unusually disjointed and obscure. The difference is so unmistakable that i.-iii. have usually been assigned to the period before the death of Jeroboam II, and iv.-xiv. to the anarchic period which succeeded. Certainly Hosea's prophetic career began before the end of Jeroboam's reign, as he predicts the fall of the reigning dynasty, i. 4, which practically ended with Jeroboam's …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Hosea 13:1 NIVHosea 13:1 NLTHosea 13:1 ESVHosea 13:1 NASBHosea 13:1 KJV
Hosea 13:1 Commentaries
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