131 When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.
131 When Ephraim spoke, people trembled; he was exalted in Israel. But he became guilty of Baal worship and died.
131 When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling; he was exalted in Israel, but he incurred guilt through Baal and died.
131 God once let loose against Ephraim a terrifying sentence against Israel: Caught and convicted in the lewd sex-worship of Baal - they died!
131 When Ephraim spoke, trembling, He exalted himself in Israel; But when he offended through Baal worship, he died.
131 When the tribe of Ephraim spoke, the people shook with fear, for that tribe was important in Israel. But the people of Ephraim sinned by worshiping Baal and thus sealed their destruction.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Hosea 13:1
Commentary on Hosea 13:1-8
(Read Hosea 13:1-8)
While Ephraim kept up a holy fear of God, and worshipped Him in that fear, so long he was very considerable. When Ephraim forsook God, and followed idolatry, he sunk. Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves, in token of their adoration of them, affection for them, and obedience to them; but the Lord will not give his glory to another, and therefore all that worship images shall be confounded. No solid, lasting comfort, is to be expected any where but in God. God not only took care of the Israelites in the wilderness, he put them in possession of Canaan, a good land; but worldly prosperity, when it feeds men's pride, makes them forgetful of God. Therefore the Lord would meet them in just vengeance, as the most terrible beast that inhabited their forests. Abused goodness calls for greater severity.