Hosea 13:1-16

13:1-2 | The tribe of Ephraim initially produced strong, God-fearing leaders like Joshua (Josh. 24:30) but eventually became overly self-confident and prone to idol worship – a constant theme in Hosea. 13:3-6 | A collection of similes that point to the temporary nature of idols (morning cloud… early dew… chaff… smoke) reinforce the message of judgment. In contrast, the everlasting God reminds Ephraim of her past and His loyal love for her: I knew you in the wilderness (Deut. 8:14; 31:20).

13:8-16 | Hosea painted startling pictures of the coming judgment of God with the lion, the leopard, and the bear and then heightened the terror with references to infants dashed in pieces and pregnant women ripped open by the Assyrians.

13:14 | These images reveal God’s power over death (1 Cor. 15:55).