Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe them:
Read it in contextGod’s Anger against Israel
Start reading at Hosea 13:1 (Hosea 13:1 to Hosea 13:8).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The closing movement recalls the relationship, renews the indictment, and ends with an appeal to return and a promise of healing.
13:1When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.
13:2And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.
13:3Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud, and as the early dew that passeth away, as the chaff that is driven with the whirlwind out of the floor, and as the smoke out of the chimney.
13:4Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me.
13:5I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought.
13:6According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me.
13:7Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe them:
13:8I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will rend the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild beast shall tear them.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Hosea son of Beeri is the named prophet and traditional author of the collected message. Biblical references: Hosea 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Hosea 4:1–14:9): Hosea addresses Israel, including its priests and rulers, with warnings also involving Judah. The closing appeal calls Israel to return to the LORD. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Primarily the northern kingdom of Israel, often called Ephraim, with warnings also concerning Judah. Biblical references: Hosea 4:1; Hosea 5:1; Hosea 5:5. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? God’s Anger against Israel. Read Hosea 13:1 through Hosea 13:8 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The closing movement recalls the relationship, renews the indictment, and ends with an appeal to return and a promise of healing. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The opening names kings of Judah and Jeroboam of Israel. The oracles address that setting while also announcing future judgment and restoration. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Israel, especially the northern kingdom, is central; the poetry also recalls Egypt, wilderness, and other places in the covenant story. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in God’s Anger against Israel (Hosea 13:1 to Hosea 13:8).
Start reading at Hosea 13:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Matthew applies Hosea's words about calling the son out of Egypt to Jesus. Hosea's immediate passage recalls Israel's history, so the later application and the original reference should both be stated. See Hosea 11:1, Matthew 2:15. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Respond to the call to return with faithful conduct rather than empty religious activity. Marriage imagery should be read as the book's covenant portrayal, not casually imposed on a reader's private circumstances. interpretation
Cited: Hosea 13:1, Hosea 13:8, Hosea 11:1, Matthew 2:15
Who wrote it, and how we know
HoseaNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens with the word of the LORD that came to Hosea. Hosea 1:1
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Hosea 13
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Hosea's opening names the reigns associated with his ministry. Marriage and family imagery portray the LORD's relationship with Israel; distinguish enacted signs, poetic speech, and direct exhortation. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The closing movement recalls the relationship, renews the indictment, and ends with an appeal to return and a promise of healing.
Connection to the wholeThe closing movement recalls the relationship, renews the indictment, and ends with an appeal to return and a promise of healing.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The closing movement recalls the relationship, renews the indictment, and ends with an appeal to return and a promise of healing.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Hosea
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Hosea's opening names the reigns associated with his ministry. Marriage and family imagery portray the LORD's relationship with Israel; distinguish enacted signs, poetic speech, and direct exhortation.
Connection to the wholeThe closing movement recalls the relationship, renews the indictment, and ends with an appeal to return and a promise of healing.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.