Hosea 13-14

Chapter 13: No Savior, but Jesus

“When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.” (Hosea 13:1) Whenever the people forgot God, and began to worship Baal… the Lord forgot them as well. “…thou shalt know no god but me: for there is not savior besides me.” (Hosea 13:4) Like a lion, the Lord will tear Israel apart! We must never forget the Lord, or worship others in place of the Lord! The sorrows of a woman in childbirth shall come upon Ephraim. Infants and pregnant women will be killed; Dryness and barrenness is prophesied.

However, “O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help.” (Hosea 13:9) We can always turn back to the Lord for help, even in our darkest hour(s)!

Chapter 14: Ephraim will repent

Israel should turn in repentance to the Lord; “…return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.” (Hosea 14:1) The Lord will heal their backsliding, and be as a dew to them, causing them to grow like a lily or a vine. The beauty of Israel shall be like an olive tree that has renewed Israel and turns them away from idols. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.