Bible Strands
Hosea 13:1
When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling; he was exalted in Israel. But he incurred guilt through Baal, and he died.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The prophet addresses the northern tribe of Ephraim at a moment when its political influence had bred national arrogance. The declaration is made amid escalating idolatry and covenant betrayal.
The words — The verb דָּבַר (da.Ber) means to speak or declare, while the noun תֵּת (re.Tet) denotes trembling or fear. The phrase נָשָׂא (na.Sa') literally translates to "he lifted up," describing Ephraim's exalted status.
The thread — The link between Baal worship and fatal judgment appears in Hosea 11:2, where Israel's departure from God is tied to Baal sacrifice. The covenant principle that rebellion yields death echoes Genesis 2:17.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to acknowledge that political prominence and religious activity cannot override covenant fidelity. It demands the abandonment of human exaltation in favor of exclusive loyalty to Yahweh.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.
Cross-references
- Hosea 11:2 But the more I called Israel, the farther they departed from Me. They sacrificed to the Baals and burned incense to carved images.
- Genesis 2:17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; for in the day that you eat of it, you will surely die.”
- Numbers 27:16 “May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation
- Joshua 3:7 Now the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you just as I was with Moses.
- Luke 14:11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
- Numbers 2:18 On the west side, the divisions of Ephraim are to camp under their standard: The leader of the Ephraimites is Elishama son of Ammihud,
- Numbers 10:22 Next, the divisions of the camp of Ephraim set out under their standard, with Elishama son of Ammihud in command.
- Numbers 13:8 from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea son of Nun;
- Numbers 13:16 These were the names of the men Moses sent to spy out the land; and Moses gave to Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua.
- Judges 8:1 Then the men of Ephraim said to Gideon, “Why have you done this to us? Why did you fail to call us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they contended with him violently.