The Nemesis of an Impure Worship (cf. Hosea 4:11-14). Israel in unspoilt youth had appeared to Yahweh like grapes in the wilderness, but at the very first of the Canaanite shrines which they reached, Baal-Peor, they polluted themselves (Hosea 9:10). The consequent nemesis was barrenness [12] (Hosea 9:11).their root is dried up (Hosea 9:16) should be inserted (Wellhausen) between Hosea 9:11 and Hosea 9:12. If children are brought up to die prematurely (Hosea 9:12), or are destined to slaughter (Hosea 9:13), let Yahweh rather only doom them to barrenness (Hosea 9:14). The centre of all this iniquity is the cultus at Gilgal, and because of it they shall be driven out of mine house (i.e. Yahweh's land), unloved; all their princes are rebels, they are rejected and doomed to exile (Hosea 9:15; Hosea 9:17).
[12] There is a play on the name Ephraim (fruitful). The fruitful has become unfruitful.
Hosea 9:10. The sin of Baal-Peor (cf. Numbers 25) was continued in the impure cultus. shameful thing: a substitute for Baal (Hosea 2:16 *).
Hosea 9:11. The name Ephraim suggests a bird's pinions (-' abâ rî m). Their glory, i.e. their abundant population, shall take wings and fly.
Hosea 9:12 a. though: render even if.
Hosea 9:12 b. ? a gloss.
Hosea 9:13. The text is corrupt. It may be restored (cf. LXX) somewhat as follows: Ephraim I have seen like a man, who maketh his sons a prey, Yea Israel himself hath led forth to the slaughter his sons! (so Marti, cf. Wellhausen).
Hosea 9:14. A despairing interjection by the prophet. Let Ephraim be doomed to barrenness rather than rear children only for slaughter.
Hosea 9:15. In Gilgal (cf. Hosea 4:15), one of the most famous sanctuaries of the cultus, the corruption of the northern kingdom had its focus (Cheyne). Had it been the scene of human sacrifice (cf. Hosea 9:13 as above)? all their princes are revolters: there is an assonance in the original, all their rulers are unruly (cf. Isaiah 1:23).
Hosea 9:17.? a gloss.