Hosea 10

10:1 Although Israel was God’s luxuriant, fruitful vine (see Isa 5:1-7; Jer 2:21; Ezek 17:6), she falsely attributed her prosperity to the Canaanite fertility gods, rather than to the Lord, and she spent the riches God had given her to enhance her worship of idols. • sacred pillars: Stone pillars could be acceptable memorials (Gen 35:20; Josh 24:26-27), but God prohibited the Israelites from using them in worship as the Canaanites did (Exod 23:24; Deut 16:22).

10:3 We have no king: Some interpreters see these words as an acknowledgement, after the destruction of Israel, that they had been punished and the monarchy had come to an end because they didn’t fear the Lord. Others regard this as the Israelites’ arrogant rejection of the Lord’s kingship.

10:4 The perversion of justice is like bitter, poisonous weeds (Amos 6:12).

10:5-6 Israel’s gold calf idol (see 8:5-6) would become a prize of war for the invading Assyrians.

10:8 The only response of Israelites who survived the coming catastrophe would be to implore the mountains and hills, “Bury us! . . . Fall on us!”

10:9-10 The horrible events at Gibeah (Judg 19–21) set the pattern of sin for the people of the northern kingdom of Israel (see Hos 9:9). God’s punishment was that they would be overwhelmingly defeated in war, just as in the time of the judges (see Judg 2:10-15).

10:11 Because Israel was not faithful to the covenant, the Lord placed on her a heavy yoke—the divine correction required to bring her back to him.

10:12 Using metaphors from agriculture, God set forth his requirements for his people and a promise of blessing if they did what he commanded (see 6:6; 8:7). Even as Hosea announced God’s judgment, he offered Israel the chance to repent and receive God’s blessing.

10:14 When Shalman destroyed Beth-arbel: This event is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible or in other available sources, but it was evidently well known to Hosea’s audience.