Bible Commentary

They sacrifice flesh [for] the sacrifices of mine offerings, and eat [it; but] the LORD accepteth them not; now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins: they shall return to Egypt. 13. They sacrifice, &c.] Rather, My sacrificial gifts they sacrifice; (yea,) flesh, and they eat it; i.e., their sacrifices are a mere … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 8:13”

I have written to him the great things of my law, [but] they were counted as a strange thing. 12. I have written to him ] Auth. Vers, here follows the Targum and the Peshito (the Septuagint and the Vulgate give the future), but it is more idiomatic (see p. 36, not [56] to render … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 8:12”

Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto him to sin. 11. Because ] Rather, For. It is a justification of the foregoing threat. hath made many altars to sin ] In times of national trouble, sacrifices were multiplied, to propitiate the national God (comp. Isa 1:11). But as no corresponding … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 8:11”

Yea, though they have hired among the nations, now will I gather them, and they shall sorrow a little for the burden of the king of princes. 10. This verse is obscure, and open to a variety of interpretations; the following however seems by far the most probable. Yea, though they have hired among the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 8:10”

For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself: Ephraim hath hired lovers. 9. gone up ] Used, like , of going inland (‘up the country’). a wild ass alone by himself ] Rather, a wild ass taking his own way by himself. The point of comparison is obstinacy. The wild … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 8:9”

Israel is swallowed up: now shall they be among the Gentiles as a vessel wherein [is] no pleasure. 8. is swallowed up ] i. e. is as good as swallowed up. Foreigners have already begun to absorb the precious morsel (cf. Hos 7:8-9); complete destruction is only a question of time. now shall they be … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 8:8”

For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up. 7. The consequences of Israel’s evil conduct and policy are here represented under the figure of sowing and reaping. But the form … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 8:7”

For from Israel [was] it also: the workman made it; therefore it [is] not God: but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces. 6. For from Israel was it also ] Rather, was this also; i. e. this idol too (as well as the usurping kings) was Israel’s work, unsanctioned by me. But … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 8:6”

Thy calf, O Samaria, hath cast [thee] off; mine anger is kindled against them: how long [will it be] ere they attain to innocency? 5. Thy calf, O Samaria, hath cast thee off ] This rendering is very harsh in this context; Ewald prefers ‘He hath cast off thy calf’, a contrast to ‘Israel hath … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 8:5”

They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew [it] not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off. 4. Israel’s great offence making a schism in the ‘theocratic’ community. Setting up idols was virtually rebellion against Jehovah; whatever … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 8:4”