Hosea 8:4

The Political and Cultic Sin of Israel

8:4 They enthroned kings without my consent! ¹ 

They appointed princes without my approval! ² 

They made idols out of their silver and gold,

but they will be destroyed! ³ 

Hosea 12:1

12:1 Ephraim continually feeds on the wind;

he chases the east wind all day;

he multiplies lies and violence.

They make treaties ⁴  with Assyria,

and send olive oil as tribute ⁵  to Egypt.

[8:4]  ¹ tn Heb “but without me”; NCV “without asking my permission”; CEV “without consulting me.”

[8:4]  ² tn Heb “but I did not know”; NRSV “but without my knowledge.”

[8:4]  ³ tn Heb “in order to be cut off.” The text gives the impression that they made the idols for this purpose, but the language is ironic and sarcastic, bringing out the futility of their efforts. One could paraphrase, “they made idols…but only so that they might be destroyed.” Though they had other plans for the idols, God’s judgment would bring their intentions to naught.

[12:1]  ⁴ tn Heb “a treaty” (so NIV, NRSV); KJV, NASB “a covenant”; NAB “comes to terms.”

[12:1]  ⁵ tn The phrase “as tribute” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity. Cf. NCV “send a gift of olive oil.”