Hosea 8:6
Hosea 8:6 in Multiple Translations
For this thing is from Israel— a craftsman made it, and it is not God. It will be broken to pieces, that calf of Samaria.
For from Israel was it also: the workman made it; therefore it is not God: but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.
For from Israel is even this; the workman made it, and it is no God; yea, the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.
The workman made it, it is no god; the ox of Samaria will be broken into bits.
This idol is from Israel! A craftsman made it—it's not God! The calf of Samaria will be broken in pieces!
For it came euen from Israel: the workeman made it, therefore it is not God: but the calfe of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.
For even it [is] of Israel; an artificer made it, And it [is] not God, For the calf of Samaria is fragments!
For this is even from Israel! The workman made it, and it is no God; indeed, the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.
For from Israel was it also: the workman made it; therefore it is not God: but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.
For itself also is the invention of Israel: a workman made it, and it is no god: for the calf of Samaria shall be turned to spiders’ webs.
Someone in Israel made that idol for you; but I am God and it is not. So that idol of a calf in Samaria must be smashed to pieces.
Berean Amplified Bible — Hosea 8:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Hosea 8:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
מִ/יִּשְׂרָאֵל֙
וְ/ה֔וּא
חָרָ֣שׁ
עָשָׂ֔/הוּ
וְ/לֹ֥א
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ה֑וּא
כִּֽי
שְׁבָבִ֣ים
יִֽהְיֶ֔ה
עֵ֖גֶל
שֹׁמְרֽוֹן
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מִ/יִּשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
Prep | N-proper
וְ/ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
חָרָ֣שׁ
chârâsh
H2796
artificer
N-ms
עָשָׂ֔/הוּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שְׁבָבִ֣ים
shâbâb
H7616
fragment
N-mp
יִֽהְיֶ֔ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עֵ֖גֶל
ʻêgel
H5695
calf
N-ms
שֹׁמְרֽוֹן
Shômᵉrôwn
H8111
Samaria
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Hosea 8:6
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מִ/יִּשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
Prep | N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וְ/ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
חָרָ֣שׁ
chârâsh
H2796
"artificer"
N-ms
A chârâsh was a skilled craftsman or artisan, able to work with various materials like wood or metal. This term is used in the Bible to describe carpenters, engravers, and other skilled workers.
Definition: 1) craftsman, artisan, engraver, graver, artificer 1a) graver, artificer 1b) skilful to destroy (warriors) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: artificer, ([phrase]) carpenter, craftsman, engraver, maker, [phrase] mason, skilful, ([phrase]) smith, worker, workman, such as wrought. See also: Exodus 28:11; Ezra 3:7; Isaiah 40:19.
עָשָׂ֔/הוּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שְׁבָבִ֣ים
shâbâb
H7616
"fragment"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means a fragment or ruin, like something broken into pieces. It describes a state of being shattered or destroyed. In the Bible, it is used to convey a sense of devastation.
Definition: 1) splinters, fragment 1a) meaning probable
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: broken in pieces. See also: Hosea 8:6.
יִֽהְיֶ֔ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עֵ֖גֶל
ʻêgel
H5695
"calf"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a young male calf, nearly grown into a steer. It appears in the book of Exodus and Leviticus, describing animal sacrifices. The word is often translated as 'bullock' or 'calf'.
Definition: calf, bull-calf
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: bullock, calf. See also: Exodus 32:4; 2 Chronicles 13:8; Psalms 29:6.
שֹׁמְרֽוֹן
Shômᵉrôwn
H8111
"Samaria"
N-proper
Samaria means watch mountain, a region in northern Palestine and the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, located near Jerusalem. It was the kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel after Solomon's death.
Definition: § Samaria = "watch mountain" 1) the region of northern Palestine associated with the northern kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel which split from the kingdom after the death of Solomon during the reign of his son Rehoboam and were ruled by Jeroboam 2) the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel located 30 miles (50 km) north of Jerusalem and 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Shechem
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Samaria. See also: 1 Kings 13:32; 2 Kings 17:5; Isaiah 7:9.
Study Notes — Hosea 8:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Hosea 8:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Hosea 8:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hosea 8:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hosea 8:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Hosea 8:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Hosea 8:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hosea 8:6
- Cambridge Bible on Hosea 8:6
- Barnes' Notes on Hosea 8:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Hosea 8:6
- Sermons on Hosea 8:6
Context — Israel Will Reap the Whirlwind
4They set up kings, but not by Me. They make princes, but without My approval. With their silver and gold they make themselves idols, to their own destruction.
5He has rejected your calf, O Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of innocence?
6For this thing is from Israel— a craftsman made it, and it is not God. It will be broken to pieces, that calf of Samaria.
7For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. There is no standing grain; what sprouts fails to yield flour. Even if it should produce, the foreigners would swallow it up. 8Israel is swallowed up! Now they are among the nations like a worthless vessel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 10:2 | Their hearts are devious; now they must bear their guilt. The LORD will break down their altars and demolish their sacred pillars. |
| 2 | Isaiah 44:9–20 | All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame. The blacksmith takes a tool and labors over the coals; he fashions an idol with hammers and forges it with his strong arms. Yet he grows hungry and loses his strength; he fails to drink water and grows faint. The woodworker extends a measuring line; he marks it out with a stylus; he shapes it with chisels and outlines it with a compass. He fashions it in the likeness of man, like man in all his glory, that it may dwell in a shrine. He cuts down cedars or retrieves a cypress or oak. He lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a laurel, and the rain makes it grow. It serves as fuel for man. He takes some of it to warm himself, and he kindles a fire and bakes his bread; he even fashions it into a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it. He burns half of it in the fire, and he roasts meat on that half. He eats the roast and is satisfied. Indeed, he warms himself and says, “Ah! I am warm; I see the fire.” From the rest he makes a god, his graven image. He bows down to it and worships; he prays to it and says, “Save me, for you are my god.” They do not comprehend or discern, for He has shut their eyes so they cannot see and closed their minds so they cannot understand. And no one considers in his heart, no one has the knowledge or insight to say, “I burned half of it in the fire, and I baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make something detestable with the rest of it? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?” He feeds on ashes. His deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?” |
| 3 | Psalms 135:15–18 | The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 43:12–13 | I will kindle a fire in the temples of the gods of Egypt, and Nebuchadnezzar will burn those temples and take their gods as captives. So he will wrap himself with the land of Egypt as a shepherd wraps himself in his garment, and he will depart from there unscathed. He will demolish the sacred pillars of the temple of the sun in the land of Egypt, and he will burn down the temples of the gods of Egypt.’” |
| 5 | Hosea 10:5–6 | The people of Samaria will fear for the calf of Beth-aven. Indeed, its people will mourn with its idolatrous priests— those who rejoiced in its glory— for it has been taken from them into exile. Yes, it will be carried to Assyria as tribute to the great king. Ephraim will be seized with shame; Israel will be ashamed of its wooden idols. |
| 6 | Habakkuk 2:18 | What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it— or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 23:15 | He even pulled down the altar at Bethel, the high place set up by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had caused Israel to sin. Then he burned the high place, ground it to powder, and burned the Asherah pole. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 31:1 | When all this had ended, the Israelites in attendance went out to the cities of Judah and broke up the sacred pillars, chopped down the Asherah poles, and tore down the high places and altars throughout Judah and Benjamin, as well as in Ephraim and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the Israelites returned to their cities, each to his own property. |
| 9 | Psalms 106:19–20 | At Horeb they made a calf and worshiped a molten image. They exchanged their Glory for the image of a grass-eating ox. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 50:2 | “Announce and declare to the nations; lift up a banner and proclaim it; hold nothing back when you say, ‘Babylon is captured; Bel is put to shame; Marduk is shattered, her images are disgraced, her idols are broken in pieces.’ |
Hosea 8:6 Summary
[This verse is saying that the Israelites made an idol, a calf, and worshipped it as if it were God, but it's not God because it was made by human hands. God is warning that this idol will be destroyed and can't save them, just like He says in Jeremiah 10:11. We can learn from this that anything we put our trust in besides God will fail us, and we should turn to Him alone for salvation and protection, as encouraged in Psalm 91:1-2.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the calf of Samaria mentioned in Hosea 8:6?
The calf of Samaria refers to an idol made by the Israelites, specifically the people of Samaria, which they worshipped instead of the one true God, as seen in Exodus 32:1-4 and 1 Kings 12:28-29.
Why does God say the calf is not God?
God says the calf is not God because it was created by human hands, as stated in Hosea 8:6, and is therefore a false idol, not the living God who created the universe, as described in Genesis 1:1 and Psalm 96:5.
What does it mean for the calf to be broken to pieces?
When God says the calf will be broken to pieces, He is warning that the idol will be destroyed and will not be able to save or protect those who worship it, much like the idols in Isaiah 46:1-2 and Jeremiah 10:11.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that anything we put our trust in besides the one true God will ultimately fail us, as seen in Jeremiah 17:5-8, and that we should turn to Him alone for salvation and protection, as encouraged in Psalm 91:1-2 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day 'idols' that I may be putting my trust in, and how can I turn away from them to focus on God?
- How does the fact that God is the Creator of the universe, as seen in Genesis 1:1, impact my understanding of His power and authority?
- In what ways can I be like the Israelites, creating my own 'idols' or substitutes for God, and how can I avoid this trap?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God alone, and how can I apply this principle to my daily life, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Hosea 8:6
For from Israel [was] it also,.... That is, the calf was from Israel; it was an invention of theirs, as some say; they did not borrow it from their neighbours, as they did other idols, but it was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hosea 8:6
For from Israel was it also: the workman made it; therefore it is not God: but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces. For from Israel was it also - namely, the calf originated with them, not from me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hosea 8:6
For, or because, from Israel, by their invention and authority, was it also, both the idol and the worship of it. The workman, the founder, silversmith, or goldsmith, made it; fashioned the calf. Therefore it is not God; you are sottish fools to think it is a god: if the making it will not convince you it is no god, yet I hope the destroying it will prove, whatever it was made for, or whatever thought to be, yet it was not, nor could it ever be, a god. But the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces; but when the idol is broken into pieces, Samaria shall see it was but a calf, and confess their folly in worshipping it; however, the destruction of it will be a perpetual witness of Samaria’ s sin, and God’ s just displeasure in its ruin.
Trapp's Commentary on Hosea 8:6
Hosea 8:6 For from Israel [was] it also: the workman made it; therefore it [is] not God: but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.Ver. 6. For from Israel was it also] There is an emphasis in "also," and it is as if the prophet should say, This calf of Samaria is no less from Israel, and came out of his shop or device, than that of old set up by them in the wilderness. Israel then brought a calf out of Egypt, Jeroboam brought two; and Israel hath received them, and are much taken with them; so that they cannot attain to innocence (as it is in the former verse), so far they are engaged and so fast joined to idols, that they cannot get off; there is so much of self in it; it was the bairn of their own brain; and hence so overly admired, so clasped and hugged, with the ape, &c.; or rather, as Cleopatra hugged her vipers that sucked her blood, and took away her life, so did they their own inventions, though fairly warned of the danger, Hosea 8:3-5. Lo, this was Israel that acted thus madly. Israel that was wont to laugh at or pity other nations for their idolomany, for worshipping the works of their own hands, for going a whoring after their own inventions, for changing the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things, Romans 1:23; as in Lapland, the people worship that all day for a god whatsoever they see first in the morning, Now that a calf worship should be found in Israel, and not only so, but found out by Israel; who was herein worse than Egypt; for that the Egyptians worshipped a living ox of God’ s making; but Israel, a dead calf of their own making; such sots they were grown, and so thwart to the very principles of reason. The workman made it] Who confessedly is no God: therefore it is not God] for no man can give that divinity to another which himself hath not. Nay, it is certain that God himself by his infinite power cannot make anything to be a God to us. He cannot do this, I say; like as he cannot lie, he cannot die, he cannot deny himself, &c., so he cannot raise a created excellence to that height as to be a God to us. How vile, then, is the voluptuary, that maketh his belly his god! the mammonist, that maketh his gold his god! the ambitionist, that maketh his honour his god! How abominable the mass monger, that maketh his god and eateth him when he hath done!
This made Averroes, the Mahometan, cry out; Quoniam Christiani Deum suum mauducant, sit anima mea cum Philosophis, that is, Forasmuch as Christians do eat their God, let my soul be rather with the souls of the philosophers.
Ellicott's Commentary on Hosea 8:6
(6) It is best to abandon the Masoretic punctuation, and translate, For it (i.e., the calf) is from Israel (not of Divine origin); as for it, an artificer made it, and it is no god. Yea, the calf of Samaria shall be shattered to fragments (literally, become splinters or fine dust).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hosea 8:6
Verse 6. The workman made it; therefore it is not God] As God signifies the supreme eternal Good, the Creator and Upholder of all things, therefore the workman cannot make Him who made all things. This is an overwhelming argument against all idols. Nothing need be added. The workman has made them; therefore they are not God.
Cambridge Bible on Hosea 8:6
6. For from Israel was it also] Rather, was this also; i. e. this idol too (as well as the usurping kings) was Israel’s work, unsanctioned by me. But the construction is very dubious, and the integrity of the text may well be questioned. the workman made it; therefore it is not God] Lit., ‘and it is not God.’ It has a merely fictitious existence (so Hosea 13:2). The sarcastic words of Hosea contain the germ of the vehement polemic of the later prophets against idolatry in general. but … in pieces] Rather, yea, Samaria’s calf shall be (broken to) shivers (Targum, ‘chips of boards’).
Barnes' Notes on Hosea 8:6
For - This verse may assign the reasons of God’s displeasure, “mine anger is kindled;” or of Israel’s impenitency, “How long will it be?” This indeed is only going a little further back, for Israel’s
Whedon's Commentary on Hosea 8:6
6. From Israel was it also [“is even this”] — What? Evidently the calf of Hos 8:5. In its establishment Jehovah had no part; it is the work of Israel; therefore the former has cast it off.
Sermons on Hosea 8:6
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A Divided Heart by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of a divided heart, emphasizing that such a condition leads to spiritual faultiness both individually and within the church. He warns that a divid |
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A Supply for Every Need by J.C. Philpot | Joseph Philpot preaches about the unwavering confidence in God's provision, emphasizing the necessity of both doctrinal truth and personal experience to strengthen our faith. He de |
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Living That Grieves the Spirit by A.W. Tozer | James urges believers to experience deep sorrow and wretchedness over their sins, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and inner penitence rather than external ascetic pract |
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Unreached Peoples: The Drokpa People of the Himalayas by Paul Hattaway | This sermon delves into the unique traditions and lifestyle of the Drogpa people, who live in a fruitful yet isolated area, practicing ancient customs and idol worship. Despite the |
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(1 Timothy) Church and the Truth by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a surf movie called "Noah's Ark" that he recently watched. The movie tells the story of professional surfers who have encountered God and ex |
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Homily 10 by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome preaches in Tripolis about the dangers of ignorance and error, highlighting the difference between those who worship idols and those who worship the one true God. H |
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Against the Heathen by St. Athanasius | Athanasius preaches against idolatry, highlighting the inconsistency and godlessness of worshipping images and false gods. He questions the rationale behind attributing divine attr |