13 When Ephraim spoke,(A) there was trembling;
he was exalted in Israel.(B)
But he incurred guilt through Baal(C) and died.

Now they continue to sin
and make themselves a cast image,(D)
idols skillfully made from their silver,(E)
all of them the work of craftsmen.(F)
People say about them,
“Let the men who sacrifice[a] kiss the calves.”(G)
Therefore, they will be like the morning mist,(H)
like the early dew that vanishes,
like chaff blown from a threshing floor,(I)
or like smoke from a window.(J)

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Footnotes

  1. Hosea 13:2 Or Those who make human sacrifices

Infidelity despite divine goodness

13 When Ephraim spoke, there was excitement;
        he was praised in Israel;
        but he became guilty through Baal and died.
And now they keep on sinning;
    they have made metal images,
        idols of silver,
        as a result of their skill,
            all of them the work of craftsmen.
    “Sacrifice to these,” they say.
        People are kissing calves!
Therefore, they will be like the morning mist,
        like the dew that passes away early,
        like husks that swirl from the threshing floor,
        or like smoke from a window.

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