Hosea 13:2

Now they sin more and more and make for themselves cast images, idols skillfully made from their silver, all of them the work of craftsmen. People say of them, "They offer human sacrifice and kiss the calves!"

Study Bible

Now they sin more and more
This phrase highlights the increasing moral and spiritual decline of Israel. The nation is depicted as being in a state of continual rebellion against God. This reflects the cyclical pattern of sin seen throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Judges, where Israel repeatedly falls into sin, cries out to God, and is delivered, only to fall again. The phrase underscores the persistent nature of sin and the hardening of hearts that occurs when people turn away from God.

and make for themselves cast images,
The making of cast images refers to the practice of idolatry, which was strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law (Exodus 20:4). This practice was prevalent among the surrounding nations, and Israel's adoption of it signifies a departure from their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The casting of images was a common method of idol creation in the ancient Near East, involving the melting and molding of metals.

idols skillfully made from their silver,
The use of silver indicates the wealth and resources that were being misused for idolatrous purposes. The skill involved in crafting these idols suggests a deliberate and intentional act of worship, rather than a casual or ignorant sin. This echoes the account of Aaron and the golden calf in Exodus 32, where the people of Israel used their gold to create an idol, demonstrating a similar misuse of their blessings.

all of them the work of craftsmen.
This phrase emphasizes the human origin of the idols, contrasting with the divine creation of the world by God. It highlights the futility and absurdity of worshiping something made by human hands, as seen in Isaiah 44:9-20, where the prophet mocks the idea of worshiping a crafted object. The reliance on human craftsmanship underscores the departure from reliance on God.

People say of them, “They offer human sacrifice
This accusation points to the extreme depravity that idolatry can lead to, as human sacrifice was a practice associated with pagan worship, particularly among the Canaanites (Deuteronomy 12:31). It indicates the depth of Israel's apostasy and the influence of surrounding cultures. The practice is condemned throughout Scripture and is a stark violation of God's commandments.

and kiss the calves!”
Kissing the calves refers to acts of devotion and worship directed towards the golden calves, reminiscent of the calf worship instituted by Jeroboam in 1 Kings 12:28-30. This act of kissing is a sign of allegiance and reverence, showing how deeply ingrained idolatry had become in Israelite society. The calves symbolize a false representation of God, leading the people away from true worship. This idolatry is a direct affront to the worship of Yahweh and serves as a type of the ultimate rejection of Christ, who is the true image of God (Colossians 1:15).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hosea
A prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope.

2. Israel
The Northern Kingdom, often rebuked by God through Hosea for their idolatry and unfaithfulness.

3. Idols
Objects of worship made by human hands, representing a significant sin of Israel against God.

4. Calves
Likely referring to the golden calves set up by Jeroboam I in Bethel and Dan, which became a central part of Israel's idolatrous practices.

5. Craftsmen
Skilled workers who created the idols, highlighting the deliberate and skillful nature of Israel's sin.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry is not just a historical issue but a present danger. Anything that takes the place of God in our lives can become an idol.

The Deceptive Nature of Sin
Sin often appears attractive and skillful, but it leads to spiritual blindness and separation from God.

The Call to True Worship
God desires worship that is genuine and directed towards Him alone, not towards the works of human hands.

Repentance and Restoration
Like Israel, we are called to recognize our idols, repent, and return to the Lord for forgiveness and restoration.

The Role of Leaders
Just as Jeroboam led Israel into sin, leaders today have a responsibility to guide others towards truth and away from idolatry.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day "idols" that can distract us from our relationship with God, and how can we identify them in our lives?

2. How does the account of the golden calf in Exodus 32 relate to the idolatry described in Hosea 13:2, and what lessons can we learn from it?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our worship remains focused on God and not on the "works of our hands"?

4. How can we, as individuals and as a church community, hold each other accountable to avoid the pitfalls of idolatry?

5. Reflect on Romans 1:22-23. How does understanding the nature of idolatry help us appreciate the importance of worshiping the true and living God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
The incident of the golden calf, where the Israelites worshiped a calf idol, parallels the idolatry condemned in Hosea.

1 Kings 12
Jeroboam's establishment of calf worship in Bethel and Dan, which set a precedent for Israel's continued idolatry.

Romans 1:22-23
Paul's description of humanity exchanging the glory of God for images, reflecting the same sin of idolatry.

Isaiah 44:9-20
A critique of idol-making, emphasizing the futility and foolishness of worshiping man-made objects.

Psalm 115:4-8
A psalm that contrasts the living God with lifeless idols, underscoring the spiritual blindness of idol worshipers.