Hos 7:3-7 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Hos 7:3-7: 7:3-7 The northern kingdom of Israel saw a succession of seven different kings during the final twenty-five years of its existence, four of whom were assassinated by usurpers. This passage refers to the vicious and bloody political intrigue that characterized these years. 7:3 The prophet did not record the name of this king , but many believe he was Hoshea, the northern kingdom’s last monarch.

‏ Hosea 7:3-7

Summary for Hos 7:3-7: 7:3-7 ^a The northern kingdom of Israel saw a succession of seven different kings during the final twenty-five years of its existence, four of whom were assassinated by usurpers. This passage refers to the vicious and bloody political intrigue that characterized these years. 7:3 ^b The prophet did not record the name of this king, but many believe he was Hoshea, the northern kingdom’s last monarch.
7:4 ^c adulterers: Hosea used this term earlier to describe spiritual apostasy (3:1 ^d); it refers here to those who were disloyal to the king.
7:6 ^e A simile aptly compares the plots and political intrigue during this turbulent time to a red-hot oven that breaks out to ignite the entire land.
7:7 ^f They kill their kings: The people of Israel assassinated one king after another as they desperately attempted to save their nation and their lives from the invading Assyrian army. Throughout these last years, they relied upon their own plans and plots and never thought to cry out to the Lord, their only true source of help.