Bible Commentaries
Hosea 7

Introduction

Hosea 7:0

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

READING CYCLE THREE (see “Guide to Good Bible Reading”)

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects (reading cycle #3). Compare your subject divisions with the four modern translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.

Verses 1-7

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Hosea 7:1-7 1When I would heal Israel, The iniquity of Ephraim is uncovered, And the evil deeds of Samaria, For they deal falsely; The thief enters in, Bandits raid outside, 2And they do not consider in their hearts That I remember all their wickedness. Now their deeds are all around them; They are before My face. 3With their wickedness they make the king glad, And the princes with their lies. 4They are all adulterers, Like an oven heated by the baker Who ceases to stir up the fire From the kneading of the dough until it is leavened. 5On the day of our king, the princes became sick with the heat of wine; He stretched out his hand with scoffers, 6For their hearts are like an oven As they approach their plotting; Their anger smolders all night, In the morning it burns like a flaming fire. 7All of them are hot like an oven, And they consume their rulers; All their kings have fallen. None of them calls on Me.

Hosea 7:1 “When I would heal Israel” The content of this line of poetry seems to go best paired with the last line of chapter 6 (LXX, Peshitta, Vulgate, NKJV, NASB).

▣ “heal” The word “heal” (BDB 950, KB 1272, Qal INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT) is used often by Hosea to describe God's spiritual renewal of His people from the sickness of rebellion (e.g., Hosea 5:13; Hosea 6:1; Hosea 7:1; Hosea 11:3; Hosea 14:4). In the OT sin is described as a sickness (e.g., Psalms 103:3; Isaiah 1:5-6). See Special Topic: Healing.

▣ “iniquity” Israel's sin is described as “iniquity” (i.e., corruption, Hosea 4:8; Hosea 5:5; Hosea 8:13; Hosea 9:7, Hosea 9:9; Hosea 10:10; Hosea 12:8; Hosea 13:12; Hosea 14:1-2, BDB 730) and “evil deed” (BDB 949, cf. Hosea 7:2, Hosea 7:3; Hosea 9:15; Hosea 10:15[twice]).

▣ “uncovered” This VERB (BDB 162, KB 191, Niphal PERFECT) means to reveal by uncovering (e.g., Hosea 2:10; 1 Samuel 2:27; 1 Samuel 14:8; Isaiah 53:1). It has a sexual aspect in Isaiah 57:8, as it does here (i.e., fertility worship).

NASB, NRSV“they deal falsely” NKJV“they have committed fraud” TEV“they cheat” NJB“for deceit is their principle of behavior”

The VERB (BDB 821, KB 950, Qal PERFECT) addresses Israel's “fraud” and “lies” (cf. Jeremiah 6:13; Jeremiah 8:8, Jeremiah 8:10).

▣”The thief enters in,

Bandits raid outside” The “enter in” and “on the outside” may be a way of referring to (1) the sin of all the people or (2) invasion (e.g., Jeremiah 18:22) and exile.

The “thief” (literally “band” BDB 151 I) was used earlier in Hosea 6:9 (cf. 2 Chronicles 25:9, 2 Chronicles 25:10, 2 Chronicles 25:13).

▣ “Israel. . . Ephraim. . .Samaria” These are three terms used to describe the Northern Ten Tribes after the division of the people of God in 922 B.C. between Jeroboam I, a labor leader from the tribe of Ephraim, and Rehoboam, Solomon's son.

Hosea 7:2 “I remember all their wickedness. . .They are before My face” This refers to God's documentation of the sins of His covenant people. To forgive is to forget (e.g., Isaiah 1:18; Isaiah 38:17; Isaiah 43:25; Isaiah 44:22; Jeremiah 31:34; Ezekiel 18:22; Ezekiel 33:16), but to remember (cf. Hosea 8:13; Hosea 9:9) is the sign of unrepentance (“they do not consider in their hearts”) and the consequent judgment that follows (e.g., Jeremiah 14:10; Jeremiah 44:12).

▣ “their deeds are all around them” This VERB (BDB 685, KB 738, Qal PERFECT) is used of a military or enemy surrounding someone (e.g., Job 16:13; Psalms 17:11; Psalms 88:11). This same term is used again in Hosea 11:12, where Ephraim surrounds God with lies.

Hosea 7:3 “they” There has been much discussion about who “they” refers to in Hosea 7:3-6. There are two main theories. This refers to political conspirators (cf. Hosea 7:7 and NET Bible) who are somehow related to the bandits and thieves that are mentioned in Hosea 7:1. Openly their loyalty is to the king, but privately they plot his assassination (cf. Hosea 8:4). After the death of Jeroboam II, a rapid succession of six kings occurred (cf. Hosea 7:7): Zechariah, 746-745 B.C., who was assassinated; Shallum, 745 B.C., who was assassinated; Menahem, 745-738 B.C., who was an Assyrian vassal (cf. 2 Kings 15:19); Pekahiah, 738-737 B.C., who was assassinated; Pekah, 737-732 B.C., who was assassinated; Hoshea, 732-724 B.C., who was imprisoned by Assyria (cf. 2 Kings 17:4).

This refers to priests who have been the object of Hosea's scorn since Hosea 4:4-6, Hosea 4:7-10, Hosea 4:11-14; Hosea 5:1-7. And now they are involved in political unrest. It is possible that these two can be combined. It is the priests who are functioning along with the princes as political conspirators.

Hosea 7:4 “They are all adulterers” This is either (1) another reference to the fertility worship (literal) or (2) a reference to their covenant faithlessness (figurative, cf. Jeremiah 9:2). See Special Topic: Adultery.

▣ “Like an oven heated by the baker” There is an illusion to these political conspirators or priests as being bakers and ovens. The metaphor seems to be (1) that they rise early to plan their treason (cf. Hosea 7:6, Hosea 7:7, Hosea 7:8b) or (2) that they do not pay attention to their task and ruin the bread.

Hosea 7:5 “On the day of our king” This possibly refers to an annual coronation celebration, a birthday celebration, or a special day honoring a military victory.

▣ “the princes” This could refer to the king's family or to courtiers. They are mentioned often in Hosea (cf. Hosea 7:5, Hosea 7:16; Hosea 8:4, Hosea 8:10; Hosea 9:15; Hosea 13:10).

▣ “became sick with the heat of wine” The political leaders are liars (Hosea 7:3), drunkards (Hosea 7:5), and schemers (Hosea 7:5-7). Drunkenness is a major problem of fallen mankind (cf. Proverbs 20:1; Proverbs 23:29-35; Isaiah 28:1, Isaiah 28:7). It is often used as a metaphor for God's judgment.

NASB, NKJV“scoffers” NRSV“mockers” TEV------- NJB“people who laugh at him”

This term is found only here. It can mean “rebel” (i.e., plan a takeover with rebels) or from another root, “mock” (i.e., receive counsel from drunken courtiers).

Hosea 7:6 “plotting” This term (BDB 70) refers to an ambush (cf. Jeremiah 9:8, the VERB form in Jeremiah 51:12). This is the premeditated murder that Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17 restrict!

Hosea 7:7 “All their kings have fallen” See note at Hosea 7:3.

Verses 8-16

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Hosea 7:8-16 8Ephraim mixes himself with the nations; Ephraim has become a cake not turned. 9Strangers devour his strength, Yet he does not know it; Gray hairs also are sprinkled on him, Yet he does not know it. 10Though the pride of Israel testifies against him, Yet they have not returned to the LORD their God, Nor have they sought Him, for all this. 11So Ephraim has become like a silly dove, without sense; They call to Egypt, they go to Assyria. 12When they go, I will spread My net over them; I will bring them down like the birds of the sky. I will chastise them in accordance with the proclamation to their assembly. 13Woe to them, for they have strayed from Me! Destruction is theirs, for they have rebelled against Me! I would redeem them, but they speak lies against Me. 14And they do not cry to Me from their heart When they wail on their beds; For the sake of grain and new wine they assemble themselves, They turn away from Me. 15Although I trained and strengthened their arms, Yet they devise evil against Me. 16They turn, but not upward, They are like a deceitful bow; Their princes will fall by the sword Because of the insolence of their tongue. This will be their derision in the land of Egypt.

Hosea 7:8 “Ephraim mixes himself with the nations” This refers to Israel's foreign alliances with both Assyria and Egypt (cf. Hosea 7:11, Hosea 7:16). The term “mixes” has a sacrificial connotation (BDB 117, KB 134, Hithpolel, e.g., Exodus 29:2, Exodus 29:40; Leviticus 2:4; Leviticus 7:10).

Foreign alliances involved invoking the names of their gods. Israel turned to foreign gods for help instead of YHWH (cf. Hosea 7:13-15).

▣ “Ephraim has become a cake not turned” This is a baking metaphor (cf. Hosea 7:4, Hosea 7:6, Hosea 7:7) to describe a cake that is burned on one side and raw on the other. This seems to apply to the uselessness of these covenant people of God. For a good discussion of ancient baking and ovens see Bible Background Commentary, OT, p. 756 or any Bible dictionary or encyclopedia. I recommend the Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible (5 vols.).

Hosea 7:9 This seems to refer to the heavy tribute demanded by Assyria. Again Israel's ignorance is emphasized (“know” BDB 393, KB 390, Qal PERFECT, twice, cf. Hosea 4:1).

NASB, NRSV“Gray hairs also are sprinkled on him” NKJV“gray hairs are here and there on him” TEV“Their days are numbered” NJB“even his hair is turning grey”

This is a metaphor of declining strength and imminent death!

Hosea 7:10 “the pride of Israel testifies against him” This implies that because of Israel's knowledge of YHWH through Scripture (i.e., Moses) and the prophets, they are more guilty for following after fertility gods and covenant acts of violence.

Israel had come to the place that she thought her military strength made her stable (cf. Hosea 5:5), but her idolatry had brought spiritual apostasy and weakness.

▣ “they had not returned to the Lord their God” YHWH's heart breaks that His own people do not come to Him (cf. Hosea 7:0:7d). See Special Topic: REPENTANCE IN THE OLD TESTAMENT.

The two VERBS (#1 “return” BDB 996, KB 1427, Qal PERFECT and “sought” BDB 134, KB 152, Qal PERFECT) imply a turning from (repentance) and a seeking after (faith, cf. Mark 1:15; Acts 3:16, Acts 3:19; Acts 20:21).

Hosea 7:11 This verse shows the folly of hoping in political alliances instead of YHWH (cf. Hosea 7:16; Hosea 8:9-10, Hosea 8:13; Hosea 9:3, Hosea 9:6; Hosea 11:11; Hosea 12:1). The NIV Study Bible has an interesting note, “Menahem turned to Assyria (2 Kings 15:19-20) and Pekah to Egypt. Hosea alternated in allegiance to both (2 Kings 17:4)” (p. 1330).

Hosea 7:12 “When they go, I will spread My net over them” This implies YHWH's control of foreign empires. He, not Assyria nor Egypt, controls Israel's destiny.

▣ “I will chastise them in accordance with the proclamation of their assembly” This could refer to

1. Jeroboam I's declaration which set up the gold calves

2. subsequent kings of Israel who disobeyed Him

3. the council of these kings who agreed to this (foolishness of Israel's leaders)

The LXX changes “assembly” to “rumor of their coming affliction.”

Hosea 7:13-15 “strayed from Me. . .rebelled against Me. . .speak lies against Me. . .do not cry to Me from their heart. . .turn away from Me. . .devise evil against Me” Notice the personal elements (“Me” used 6 times) of the rebellion against God by His people. The first three VERBS are Qal PERFECTS, which show a settled condition; the last two are IMPERFECTS, which show repeated, ongoing rebellion.

Hosea 7:13 “redeem” This VERB (BDB 804, KB 911, Qal IMPERFECT) means “to buy back” or “to purchase.” It has a wide use in the OT:

1. it is similar to the term go'el, but lacks the kinship emphasis;

2. it is used primarily as deliverance from bondage, both physical and spiritual;

3. examples: Exodus 13:13, Exodus 13:15; 20:30; Exodus 21:8; Psalms 34:22; Psalms 49:7, Psalms 49:8, Psalms 49:15; Psalms 130:7, Psalms 130:8; Isaiah 1:27; and 29:22.

SPECIAL TOPIC: RANSOM/REDEEM

▣ “but they speak lies against Me” This may refer to (1) attributing to Ba'al the benefits of YHWH; (2) so mixing Ba'al worship with YHWH that no one could know and find YHWH; (3) falsehoods about God's character, (e.g., Hosea 6:1-3) characterization; or (4) promising prosperity and deliverance.

Hosea 7:14 The first line of Hosea 7:14 parallels the pain of YHWH as in Hosea 7:7. Many of the words and phrases that follow can be understood against the background of Ba'al worship:

1. “wail,” ritual mourning for the death of Ba'al

2. “beds,” may refer to the sexual activity at the Ba'al shrines (cf. Isaiah 57:7)

3. “new wine,” seen as a gift from the fertility gods (Ba'al and Asherah/Astarte)

4. “assemble” (grr BDB 657), following the Septuagint (cf. REV, NEB, JB) may be “gash” (gdd BDB 151), which also refers to cultic acts (cf. 1 Kings 18:28; Jeremiah 16:6) of Ba'al worship

See David Allan Hubbard, Hosea (Tyndale OT Commentaries), p. 141.

▣ “assemble” The Hebrew VERB (BDB 157, KB 184, Kithpolel IMPERFECT) here is uncertain. Several translations see this as assembling for the purpose of evil (cf. ASV, NASB, RSV, and KJV, alternate meaning of BDB 151, “to gather in bands”). However, another possible translation based on an emendation is the term (BDB 151) “gash” or “attack.” This is found in the Septuagint, the Jerusalem Bible, and the New English Bible. It is an expression that is used of Ba'al worship (cf. 1 Kings 18:28; Jeremiah 16:6; Jeremiah 41:5; Jeremiah 42:5; Jeremiah 48:37) and is forbidden by the law of Moses (cf. Deuteronomy 14:1 and Leviticus 19:28; Leviticus 21:5).

Hosea 7:15 “I trained and strengthened their arms” Here is the metaphor of God as (1) a loving parent (cf. Hosea 11:1-4) or (2) one who prepared Israel for battle by teaching them to trust in Him (i.e., Holy War).

▣ “They are like a deceitful bow” This seems to refer to the concept of “missing the mark,” which is one of the Hebrew expressions for “sin.” Here the war weapon is undependable.