◄ Hosea 8:6 ►
For this thing is from Israel--a craftsman made it, and it is not God. It will be broken to pieces, that calf of Samaria.
Study Bible
For this thing is from Israel—
This phrase indicates the origin of the idol, emphasizing that it was created by the people of Israel themselves. Historically, Israel had a tendency to adopt the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, despite being chosen by God to be set apart. This reflects the broader theme of Israel's spiritual adultery, as they often turned away from God to worship man-made idols. The reference to "this thing" underscores the specific sin of idolatry that Hosea is addressing.

a craftsman made it,
The mention of a craftsman highlights the human origin of the idol, contrasting the living God with lifeless objects made by human hands. This echoes the biblical critique of idolatry found in passages like Isaiah 44:9-20, where the absurdity of worshipping something crafted by human hands is pointed out. The craftsmanship involved in idol-making was often skilled, yet it could never imbue the object with divinity or power.

and it is not God.
This statement is a direct assertion of the futility and falsehood of idol worship. It reinforces the monotheistic belief central to Israel's faith, as seen in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4). The declaration that the idol "is not God" serves as a reminder of the first commandment (Exodus 20:3), which prohibits the worship of other gods. This phrase underscores the theological error of equating a created object with the Creator.

It will be broken to pieces,
The prophecy of destruction foretells the inevitable downfall of the idol. This reflects the biblical theme that idols, being powerless, cannot withstand the judgment of God. The breaking of the idol symbolizes the futility of trusting in anything other than God. This is consistent with other prophetic warnings, such as those found in Jeremiah 10:11, where idols are destined for destruction.

that calf of Samaria.
The "calf of Samaria" refers to the golden calves set up by Jeroboam I in Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:28-30) to prevent the Israelites from worshipping in Jerusalem. Samaria, as the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, became synonymous with idolatry and rebellion against God. The calf imagery connects to the sin of the golden calf at Mount Sinai (Exodus 32), highlighting a recurring pattern of idolatry. This phrase serves as a specific indictment of the Northern Kingdom's apostasy and foreshadows its eventual downfall and exile.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hosea
A prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope.

2. Israel
The Northern Kingdom, often criticized by Hosea for its idolatry and unfaithfulness to God.

3. Samaria
The capital of the Northern Kingdom, representing the center of political and religious life, often associated with idolatry.

4. The Calf of Samaria
An idol made by human hands, symbolizing Israel's departure from worshiping the true God.

5. Craftsman
Represents human effort and creativity misused to create idols, highlighting the futility of worshiping man-made objects.
Teaching Points
The Folly of Idolatry
Idolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but can include anything that takes the place of God in our lives. We must examine our hearts for modern-day idols.

The Consequences of Idolatry
Just as the calf of Samaria was destined to be broken, anything we place above God will ultimately fail us. True security and fulfillment come only from God.

The Role of Human Effort
While human creativity is a gift from God, it should not be used to create objects of worship. Our talents should glorify God, not replace Him.

God's Sovereignty and Judgment
God's judgment on idolatry is a reminder of His sovereignty. We are called to worship Him alone, recognizing His rightful place in our lives.

Repentance and Restoration
Hosea's message, though one of judgment, also calls for repentance. Turning away from idols and back to God leads to restoration and blessing.
Bible Study Questions
1. What are some modern-day "idols" that can take the place of God in our lives, and how can we identify them?

2. How does the account of the golden calf in Exodus 32 relate to the calf of Samaria in Hosea 8:6, and what lessons can we learn from these events?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our talents and efforts are used to glorify God rather than create "idols" in our lives?

4. How does understanding God's judgment on idolatry in Hosea 8:6 help us appreciate His sovereignty and holiness?

5. What steps can we take to repent from idolatry and restore our relationship with God, drawing from the teachings of Hosea and other scriptures?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 32
The account of the golden calf made by the Israelites in the wilderness, showing a recurring pattern of idolatry.

1 Kings 12
Jeroboam's establishment of golden calves in Bethel and Dan, leading Israel into sin.

Isaiah 44
A critique of idolatry, emphasizing the absurdity of worshiping objects made by human hands.

Jeremiah 10
A comparison between the living God and lifeless idols, underscoring the folly of idolatry.

Romans 1
Paul's discussion on the consequences of exchanging the truth of God for lies, including idolatry.
Sermons
The Broken IdolJ.R. Thomson Hosea 8:6
The Religion of HumanityA. H. M. Sime.Hosea 8:6
Broken GodsJ. Orr Hosea 8:5-7
IdolatryD. Thomas Hosea 8:5-7
Sin its Own PunishmentC. Jerdan Hosea 8:5-14
People
Hosea, Zechariah
Places
Assyria, Egypt, Samaria
Topics
Artificer, Bits, Broken, Calf, Craftsman, Fragments, Indeed, Itis, Ox, Pieces, Samaria, Sama'ria, Shivers, Surely, Workman, Yea
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Hosea 8:1-10

     7216   exile, in Assyria

Hosea 8:4-6

     4345   metalworkers
     5272   craftsmen

Hosea 8:4-9

     7324   calf worship

Hosea 8:5-6

     4618   calf

Library
The Bible
Oh! how ten-thousand-fold merciful is God, that, looking down upon the race of man, he does not smite it our of existence. We see from our text that God looks upon man; for he says of Ephraim, "I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing." But see how, when he observes the sin of man, he does not dash him away and spurn him with his foot; he does not shake him by the neck over the gulf of hell, until his brain doth reel and then drop him forever; but …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

And First, Can it be Said that Mammmon is Less Served by Christians...
And first, can it be said that Mammmon is less served by Christians, than by Jews and infidels? Or can there be a fuller proof that Christians, Jews, and infidels, are equally fallen from God and all divine worship, since truth itself has told us, that we cannot serve God and Mammon? Is not this as unalterable a truth, and of as great moment, as if it had been said, Ye cannot serve God and Baal? Or can it with any truth or sense be affirmed, that the Mammonist has more of Christ in him than the Baalist, …
William Law—An Humble, Affectionate, and Earnest Address to the Clergy

That the Unskilful Venture not to Approach an Office of Authority.
No one presumes to teach an art till he has first, with intent meditation, learnt it. What rashness is it, then, for the unskilful to assume pastoral authority, since the government of souls is the art of arts! For who can be ignorant that the sores of the thoughts of men are more occult than the sores of the bowels? And yet how often do men who have no knowledge whatever of spiritual precepts fearlessly profess themselves physicians of the heart, though those who are ignorant of the effect of …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken Formerly, this was the Second Time of Its Desolation. A Brief Account of Its History.
1. And thus was Jerusalem taken, in the second year of the reign of Vespasian, on the eighth day of the month Gorpeius [Elul]. It had been taken five [34] times before, though this was the second time of its desolation; for Shishak, the king of Egypt, and after him Antiochus, and after him Pompey, and after them Sosius and Herod, took the city, but still preserved it; but before all these, the king of Babylon conquered it, and made it desolate, one thousand four hundred and sixty-eight years and …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem

"For they that are after the Flesh do Mind the Things of the Flesh,",
Rom. viii. 5.--"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh,", &c. Though sin hath taken up the principal and inmost cabinet of the heart of man--though it hath fixed its imperial throne in the spirit of man, and makes use of all the powers and faculties in the soul to accomplish its accursed desires and fulfil its boundless lusts, yet it is not without good reason expressed in scripture, ordinarily under the name of "flesh," and a "body of death," and men dead in sins, are …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint.
1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved by examples. 2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections. 3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

A Few Sighs from Hell;
or, The Groans of the Damned Soul: or, An Exposition of those Words in the Sixteenth of Luke, Concerning the Rich Man and the Beggar WHEREIN IS DISCOVERED THE LAMENTABLE STATE OF THE DAMNED; THEIR CRIES, THEIR DESIRES IN THEIR DISTRESSES, WITH THE DETERMINATION OF GOD UPON THEM. A GOOD WARNING WORD TO SINNERS, BOTH OLD AND YOUNG, TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BETIMES, AND TO SEEK, BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, TO AVOID, LEST THEY COME INTO THE SAME PLACE OF TORMENT. Also, a Brief Discourse touching the …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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 8:6 NIV
Hosea 8:6 NLT
Hosea 8:6 ESV
Hosea 8:6 NASB
Hosea 8:6 KJV

Hosea 8:6 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Hosea 8:5
Top of Page
Top of Page