Question 1

Who is Ephraim in this passage and why is this tribe singled out?

Accepted Answer

Ephraim was one of the main tribes in the northern kingdom and often stood for the whole nation. At one time this tribe had great respect and influence. When “Ephraim spake trembling,” they had weight among the other tribes because they were more humble and listened to God. But later, Ephraim led the people into calf worship and other idols. Because of this, their honor turned into shame. They are singled out here because their sin and leadership in idolatry helped drag the whole nation down.

Question 2

What does it mean that Israel made molten images and kissed the calves?

Accepted Answer

The people used their silver to make metal statues and called them gods. These were not living beings, only things made by craftsmen, shaped by human ideas. “Kiss the calves” points to the way they honored these idols, bowing to them, touching or kissing them as part of worship. Some readers also see a hint that human lives were sacrificed. In any case, it shows how far they had gone, giving deep devotion to things their own hands had made instead of to the living God.

Question 3

Why does God compare Israel to a morning cloud, dew, chaff, and smoke?

Accepted Answer

These pictures all describe something that seems to be there and then quickly vanishes. A morning cloud and early dew soon fade in the heat. Chaff is the light husk blown away by the wind. Smoke rises and then disappears. God uses these images to say that Israel’s strength, wealth, and hopes rooted in idols will not last. Their false security will pass in a moment. What looks solid apart from God is actually fragile and short-lived.

Question 4

What does this passage teach about God saying, “There is no saviour beside me”?

Accepted Answer

God reminds Israel that He has been their God since He brought them out of Egypt. When He says, “There is no saviour beside me,” He is saying that no idol, no king, and no human plan can rescue like He can. He alone brought them through the wilderness and gave them food and safety. Turning to metal images or powerful rulers instead of Him is both foolish and ungrateful. The verse calls people back to trust God alone for rescue and life.

Question 5

Why does God change from caring Shepherd to lion, leopard, and bear?

Accepted Answer

The same God who once fed and guarded Israel in the wilderness now says He will meet them as a lion, a leopard, and a bear robbed of her cubs. This shows how serious their stubborn idolatry and ingratitude are. Kind care has been despised, so He will now come in judgment. The fierce animals picture danger that cannot be escaped. It warns that those who reject God’s gentle care cannot expect His protection, but instead must face His just anger.

Question 6

What does “O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help” mean?

Accepted Answer

This line sums up the whole chapter. Israel’s ruin is not because God failed them. He had saved them from Egypt, fed them, and warned them. Their destruction comes from their own choices: idols, proud hearts, and trust in human kings. Yet, right after saying they have destroyed themselves, God still says that help is found in Him. This shows both human responsibility and God’s kindness. There is no hope in themselves, but there is real help if they turn back to Him.

Question 7

Why does God mention giving and taking away a king in anger and wrath?

Accepted Answer

God reminds them how they once insisted on having a human king like other nations. He allowed them to have kings, but this was not a mark of deep trust in Him. Some of these kings led the people further from God. Saying “I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath” shows that even their political gains and losses were under God’s hand. Their rulers could not save them from judgment when they continued in rebellion and idolatry.

Question 8

What does it mean that Ephraim’s iniquity is bound up and his sin is hid?

Accepted Answer

The picture is of sin being tied up and stored away, not forgotten, but kept for a future time. “Bound up” and “hid” here do not mean forgiven. They mean the guilt is safely kept on record, waiting for the day when God will deal with it. Israel might feel as if nothing is happening for now, but judgment is not gone, only delayed. It reminds us that unrepented sin does not vanish just because time passes or people ignore it.

Question 9

How should we understand “I will redeem them from death” and God’s taunt of death and the grave?

Accepted Answer

God promises, “I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death,” and then speaks to death and the grave as if they are enemies He will strike. The main sense is that when God chooses to save His people, not even death can finally hold them. Death and the grave themselves must yield to His power. This gives hope that God’s mercy can reach beyond what seems like the end, and that death does not have the last word over those He claims.

Question 10

How can this passage about idolatry and judgment speak to people today?

Accepted Answer

This chapter shows how a people can forget God when life is full and comfortable. Israel took God’s gifts, then trusted in wealth, leaders, and handmade gods. Today, idols may look like money, success, reputation, or even religious habits without real trust in God. The warning is that turning from God to lesser things leads to emptiness and ruin. The comfort is that God still says, “In me is thine help,” calling people to turn back and lean on Him alone.

Hosea 13:1

When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.

God’s Anger against Israel

Death and Resurrection

Judgment on Samaria

God’s Anger against Israel

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Hosea 13:1

When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.

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God’s Anger against Israel

Death and Resurrection

Judgment on Samaria

God’s Anger against Israel

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