Bible Commentaries
Hosea 8

Verses 1-14

From this statement of the case the prophet turned to the pronouncement of judgment. This he did by adopting the figure of the trumpet lifted to the mouth, on which five blasts were sounded, in each of which some aspect of the sin of the people was set forth as revealing the reason for judgment.

The first blast declared the coming judgment under the figure of an eagle, the reason being the transgressions and trespass of the people.

The second blast emphasized Israel's sin of rebellion in that they had set up kings and princes without the authority of Jehovah, and had made idols.

The third blast dealt with Israel's idolatry. She had set up the calf of Samaria, which Jehovah had cast off and broken in pieces. She had been guilty of sowing the wind, that is, emptiness; and therefore she must reap the whirlwind, that is, the force of emptiness.

The fourth blast anounced Israel's alliances. She had gone to Assyria like a wild ass, alone, and her judgment was that her hire among the nations had resulted in diminishing her.

The fifth blast drew attention to the altars of sin which had been raised contrary to light, and by which sacrifice had been violated, and therefore judgment was announced.