Hosea 13:1-11 ▼

1 When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling; he was exalted in Israel. But he incurred guilt through Baal and died.

2 Now they continue to sin and make themselves a cast image, idols skillfully made from their silver, all of them the work of craftsmen. People say about them, “Let the men who sacrifice kiss the calves.”

3 Therefore, they will be like the morning mist, like the early dew that vanishes, like chaff blown from a threshing floor, or like smoke from a window.

4 I have been the LORD your God ever since the land of Egypt; you know no God but me, and no Savior exists besides me.

5 I knew you in the wilderness, in the land of drought.

6 When they had pasture, they became satisfied; they were satisfied, and their hearts became proud. Therefore they forgot me.

7 So I will be like a lion to them; I will lurk like a leopard on the path.

8 I will attack them like a bear robbed of her cubs and tear open the rib cage over their hearts. I will devour them there like a lioness, like a wild beast that would rip them open.

9 I will destroy you, Israel; you have no help but me.

10 Where now is your king, that he may save you in all your cities, and the rulers you demanded, saying, “Give me a king and leaders”?

11 I give you a king in my anger and take away a king in my wrath.