Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12
Chapter 10
1
In the Land: A Leafy Vine
Israel was a flourishing vine, abundant in fruit. The more his fruit grew,the more altars he built; the more his land prospered, the more he decorated his sacred stones.2
Their hearts are divided! They will pay for it. Their altars will be knocked down, and their sacred stones broken into pieces.
3
Now they say: “We have no king, because we have no fear of God and what good would a king do us?”
7
As for the king of Samaria, he has been carried off like foam on the water.
8
The idolatrous high places—the sin of Israel—will be destroyed. Thorn and thistle will overrun the altars. Then they will say to the mountains: “Cover us,” and to the hills: “Fall on us.”
12
Plow new ground, sow justice for yourselves, and reap a harvest of kindness. It is time to seek the Lord until he comes to rain salvation upon you.
Commentaries
Judgement.
This marks the beginning of a series of short poems that focus on aspects of Israel’s joyful early history, contrasting with its current situation. Throughout, Israel’s unfaithfulness and infidelity are highlighted in opposition to the Lord’s steadfastness.
In the Land: A Leafy Vine.
The divided heart refers to the phenomenon of religious syncretism. This, combined with political instability (3) and the corruption of justice (4), leads to exile (5-6). “Bet-Aven” (5) means “house of iniquity” (see note on 4:15).