Hosea 13

Thus chapter begins with observing that the fear of God leads to prosperity, but sin to ruin; a truth most visibly exemplified in the sin and punishment of Ephraim, Hosea 13:1-3 . As an aggravation of their guilt, God reminds them of his former favors, Hosea 13:4 , Hosea 13:5 ; which they had shamefully abused, Hosea 13:6 ; and which now expose them to dreadful punishments, Hosea 13:7 , Hosea 13:8 . He, however, tempers these awful threatenings with gracious promises; and, on their repentance, engages to save them, when no other could protect them, Hosea 13:9-11 . But, alas! instead of repenting, Ephraim is filling up the measure of his iniquity, Hosea 13:12 , Hosea 13:13 . Notwithstanding this, God promises to put forth has almighty power in behalf of his people, and, as it were, raise them from the dead, Hosea 13:14 ; although, in the meantime, they must be visited with great national calamities, compared first to the noxious and parching east wind, Hosea 13:15 , and described immediately after in the plainest terms, Hosea 13:16 .