Though Ephraim multiplied the altars for sin, they became his altars for sinning. Though EphraimThe name "Ephraim" refers to one of the tribes of Israel, often used as a representative term for the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Historically, Ephraim was a dominant tribe, and its name became synonymous with the entire northern region. The use of "Ephraim" here underscores the collective identity and responsibility of the people in their spiritual decline. In a broader sense, it serves as a warning to any community or nation that turns away from God. multiplied the altars for sin
The phrase "multiplied the altars for sin" indicates a proliferation of places of worship that were not dedicated to the true God. In the Hebrew context, "altars" were meant for sacrifices to Yahweh, but here they are used for idolatrous practices. This multiplication signifies a deepening of apostasy, as the people of Ephraim sought to appease false gods, contrary to the commandments given to them. Historically, this reflects the period of syncretism in Israel, where pagan practices were blended with the worship of Yahweh, leading to spiritual corruption. they became his altars for sinning
The transformation of these altars into "altars for sinning" highlights the irony and tragedy of Ephraim's actions. What was intended as a means to seek divine favor became a source of further transgression. The Hebrew root for "sinning" here implies a continuous action, suggesting that these altars perpetuated a cycle of sin rather than breaking it. This serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of straying from God's commandments and the ease with which sin can become entrenched in religious practices. Persons / Places / Events 1. EphraimRepresents the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often used synonymously with Israel in the prophetic books. Ephraim was the largest tribe and held significant influence. 2. AltarsStructures built for worship and sacrifices. In this context, they were used for idolatrous practices contrary to God's commandments. 3. SinThe act of disobedience against God's laws. Here, it refers to the idolatry and false worship practices of Israel. 4. HoseaA prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to Israel. His ministry focused on Israel's unfaithfulness and God's enduring love. 5. IsraelThe Northern Kingdom, which had turned away from God to worship idols, leading to their eventual downfall. Teaching Points Idolatry's DeceptionJust as Ephraim multiplied altars, we must be cautious of allowing anything to take God's place in our lives. Idolatry can be subtle and deceptive. True WorshipGod desires sincere worship from the heart, not just external rituals. Our worship should reflect our love and obedience to Him. Consequences of SinPersistent sin leads to spiritual decay and separation from God. We must repent and turn back to Him. Self-ExaminationRegularly examine your life for areas where you may be prioritizing other things over God. God's FaithfulnessDespite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remained faithful. We can trust in His promises and return to Him in repentance. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern-day "altars" that can lead us away from true worship of God? 2. How does the account of Ephraim's altars challenge us to evaluate our own worship practices? 3. In what ways can we ensure that our worship is sincere and not just a ritual? 4. How do the consequences faced by Israel serve as a warning for us today? 5. How can we rely on God's faithfulness when we find ourselves straying from His path? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:3-5The commandment against idolatry, which Israel violated by multiplying altars for false gods. 1 Kings 12:28-30The establishment of golden calves in Bethel and Dan by Jeroboam, leading Israel into sin. Isaiah 1:11-15God's rejection of insincere worship and sacrifices, similar to the altars of sin in Hosea. Jeremiah 7:9-10The false sense of security in religious rituals while living in disobedience. Amos 5:21-23God's disdain for empty religious ceremonies without true devotion. People Hosea, ZechariahPlaces Assyria, Egypt, SamariaTopics Altars, Built, Cause, Ephraim, E'phraim, Increasing, Multiplied, Multiply, Offerings, Sin, Sinning, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes Hosea 8:11 7302 altar Hosea 8:9-13 7233 Israel, northern kingdom Hosea 8:11-13 6616 atonement, in OT
7328 ceremonies
7435 sacrifice, in OT Library The Bible
Oh! how ten-thousand-fold merciful is God, that, looking down upon the race of man, he does not smite it our of existence. We see from our text that God looks upon man; for he says of Ephraim, "I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing." But see how, when he observes the sin of man, he does not dash him away and spurn him with his foot; he does not shake him by the neck over the gulf of hell, until his brain doth reel and then drop him forever; but …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855And First, Can it be Said that Mammmon is Less Served by Christians...
And first, can it be said that Mammmon is less served by Christians, than by Jews and infidels? Or can there be a fuller proof that Christians, Jews, and infidels, are equally fallen from God and all divine worship, since truth itself has told us, that we cannot serve God and Mammon? Is not this as unalterable a truth, and of as great moment, as if it had been said, Ye cannot serve God and Baal? Or can it with any truth or sense be affirmed, that the Mammonist has more of Christ in him than the Baalist, …
William Law—An Humble, Affectionate, and Earnest Address to the Clergy That the Unskilful Venture not to Approach an Office of Authority.
No one presumes to teach an art till he has first, with intent meditation, learnt it. What rashness is it, then, for the unskilful to assume pastoral authority, since the government of souls is the art of arts! For who can be ignorant that the sores of the thoughts of men are more occult than the sores of the bowels? And yet how often do men who have no knowledge whatever of spiritual precepts fearlessly profess themselves physicians of the heart, though those who are ignorant of the effect of …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken Formerly, this was the Second Time of Its Desolation. A Brief Account of Its History.
1. And thus was Jerusalem taken, in the second year of the reign of Vespasian, on the eighth day of the month Gorpeius [Elul]. It had been taken five [34] times before, though this was the second time of its desolation; for Shishak, the king of Egypt, and after him Antiochus, and after him Pompey, and after them Sosius and Herod, took the city, but still preserved it; but before all these, the king of Babylon conquered it, and made it desolate, one thousand four hundred and sixty-eight years and …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem "For they that are after the Flesh do Mind the Things of the Flesh,",
Rom. viii. 5.--"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh,", &c. Though sin hath taken up the principal and inmost cabinet of the heart of man--though it hath fixed its imperial throne in the spirit of man, and makes use of all the powers and faculties in the soul to accomplish its accursed desires and fulfil its boundless lusts, yet it is not without good reason expressed in scripture, ordinarily under the name of "flesh," and a "body of death," and men dead in sins, are …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint.
1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved by examples. 2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections. 3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion A Few Sighs from Hell;
or, The Groans of the Damned Soul: or, An Exposition of those Words in the Sixteenth of Luke, Concerning the Rich Man and the Beggar WHEREIN IS DISCOVERED THE LAMENTABLE STATE OF THE DAMNED; THEIR CRIES, THEIR DESIRES IN THEIR DISTRESSES, WITH THE DETERMINATION OF GOD UPON THEM. A GOOD WARNING WORD TO SINNERS, BOTH OLD AND YOUNG, TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BETIMES, AND TO SEEK, BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, TO AVOID, LEST THEY COME INTO THE SAME PLACE OF TORMENT. Also, a Brief Discourse touching the …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Hosea
The book of Hosea divides naturally into two parts: i.-iii. and iv.-xiv., the former relatively clear and connected, the latter unusually disjointed and obscure. The difference is so unmistakable that i.-iii. have usually been assigned to the period before the death of Jeroboam II, and iv.-xiv. to the anarchic period which succeeded. Certainly Hosea's prophetic career began before the end of Jeroboam's reign, as he predicts the fall of the reigning dynasty, i. 4, which practically ended with Jeroboam's …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Hosea 8:11 NIVHosea 8:11 NLTHosea 8:11 ESVHosea 8:11 NASBHosea 8:11 KJV
Hosea 8:11 Commentaries
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