Hosea 10:1-8

ISRAEL’S GUILT AND PUNISHMENT, Hosea 10:1-8.

Using the figure of a luxuriant vine, the prophet describes Israel’s external prosperity; it increased steadily, but instead of bringing forth good grapes it brought forth bitter grapes (Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalms 80:8 ff.). The greater the prosperity the more flagrant the moral and religious corruption (Hosea 10:1-2). Therefore altars, idols, and pillars shall be broken down, the calves of Samaria shall be carried into Assyria, priests and people shall be in terror and shall mourn (Hosea 10:2-6); even the king shall be cut off (Hosea 10:7). The high places shall be destroyed, thorns and thistles shall grow over them, and in terror the people shall cry for the mountains and hills to fall upon them (Hosea 10:8).