When Ephraim spake, trembling— When Ephraim promulged his edicts, or first became a kingdom. Houbigant. It may be otherwise understood, that when he behaved himself with dutiful submission and obedience to God, his kingdom was powerful; but when he gave himself up to idolatry, his strength immediately declined. The word Baal is here used in its general sense, for false gods.
Related Commentaries of Hosea 13:1
Hosea 13:1
1 When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.