Hosea 13:1

Trembling. Verses 1-8 of this chapter show why Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel) has “destroyed” himself (v. 9). The particulars of the nation’s sins are given, with the punishment incurred as a result of these transgressions.

Offended. This evidently refers to the worship of Baal (for which undoubtedly the calf worship had prepared the way), which had been introduced into Israel by Ahab at the instigation of Queen Jezebel (see 1 Kings 16:29-33). Through the efforts of Elijah (1 Kings 18) and King Jehu (2 Kings 9; 10) this evil received a setback, but it was not eradicated, and frequently broke out again.

He died. Ephraim’s idolatry resulted in national degradation and political death. He lost his high and exalted position, and his honor was laid in the dust. He became spiritually dead, ready for the burial soon to come (see Eph. 2:1). Deserting God and dallying with sin always brings one sure result, death (see Eze. 33:10, 11; Rom. 6:23). In contrasting Ephraim’s prosperity and his destruction, the prophet shows that Ephraim owed his prosperity to the undeserved mercy of God, who blessed him for Joseph’s sake (see Gen. 49:22); his destruction he owed to his own sin.