King James Version
What Does Hosea 8:9 Mean?
“For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself: Ephraim hath hired lovers. lovers: Heb. loves”
Context
7
For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up. stalk: or, standing corn
8
Israel is swallowed up: now shall they be among the Gentiles as a vessel wherein is no pleasure.
9
For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself: Ephraim hath hired lovers. lovers: Heb. loves
10
Yea, though they have hired among the nations, now will I gather them, and they shall sorrow a little for the burden of the king of princes. sorrow: or, begin a: or, in a little while
11
Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto him to sin.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(9) **Gone up to Assyria**.—The word thus translated is elsewhere used for “going up” to the sanctuary of the Lord. (See Note on Hosea 7:11.) *Wild ass* is the image of untamed waywardness (Job 39:5, *sea.*) it is described by Wetzstein as inhabiting the steppes, a creature of dirty yellow colour, with long ears and no horns, and a head resembling a gazelle’s. Its pace is so swift that no huntsman can overtake it. It is seldom seen alone, but in herds of several hundreds. From Jeremiah 2:24 we infer that the animal wanders alone after the object of its lust. Israel, like a solitary wild ass, seeks strange loves, courts strange alliances. On the last clause, see Ezekiel 16:32-34. Ephraim pays abnormally for her own shame.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Hosea. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Hosea 8:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Hosea 8:9
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge