Tyndale Open Study NotesHosea 10

• Although Israel was God’s rich and fruitful vine (see Isaiah 5:1–7; Jeremiah 2:21; Ezekiel 17:6), she wrongly credited her success to the Canaanite fertility gods instead of the Lord. She used the wealth God gave her to enhance idol worship.

• sacred pillars: Stone pillars could serve as acceptable memorials (Genesis 35:20; Joshua 24:26–27), but God forbade the Israelites from using them in worship like the Canaanites did (Exodus 23:24; Deuteronomy 16:22).

We have no king: Some interpreters understand these words as an admission, after Israel’s destruction, that they had been punished and that their line of kings had come to an end because they did not fear the Lord. Others see this statement as the Israelites’ arrogant rejection of the Lord’s kingship.

The corruption of justice is like bitter, poisonous weeds (Amos 6:12).

The Assyrians would take Israel's gold calf idol (see Hosea 8:5–6) as a war prize.

The Israelites who survived the disaster would only be able to cry out to the mountains and hills, Cover us! … Fall on us!

The terrible events at Gibeah (Judges 19–21) set a pattern of sin for the people of the northern kingdom of Israel (see Hosea 9:9). God punished them by allowing a major defeat in war, similar to the time of the judges (see Judges 2:10–15).

Because Israel did not keep the covenant, the Lord gave her a heavy burden. This was divine correction to bring her back to him.

Using farming metaphors, God explained his requirements for his people and promised blessings if they obeyed (see Hosea 6:6; 8:7). Although Hosea announced God's judgment, he also gave Israel the chance to repent and receive blessings.

as Shalman devastated Beth-arbel: This event is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible or in other sources, but Hosea's audience clearly knew about it.