13:7–8

Notice the parallel lines that are similar in meaning:

^7aSo like a lion I will pounce on them;

^7blike a leopard I will lurk by the path.

^8aLike a bear robbed of her cubs I will attack them, and I will tear open their chests.

^8bThere I will devour them like a lion,

^8clike a wild animal would tear them apart.

These lines contain figures of speech (similes) in which the LORD compares himself to fierce animals that attack and kill other animals or people.

These multiple animal similes give emphasis to the power and fierceness of the LORD in his judgment of them.Carroll (pages 296–297), Macintosh (page 534), and Garrett (pages 258–259). That judgment will be carried out through Assyria when their armies attack and destroy the nation of Israel. These similes are intentionally intense and shockingMcComiskey (page 217), Macintosh (page 534), Carroll (pages 296–297), and Garrett (pages 258–259). and should be translated accordingly.

13:7a

So: Verses 13:7–8 describe the consequence of Israel forgetting the LORD. Most versions introduce this consequence with a word such as So or “Therefore” (NAB). Introduce this consequence in a natural way in your language.

like a lion I will pounce on them: The Hebrew word that the BSB translates as I will pounce is literally “I became.”

There are two interpretations of the time reference:

1. It is future tense. It refers to what will soon occur.A future time reference is suggested by the parallel imperfect verbs in the series of similes, “I-will-lurk,” “I-will-attack,” “I-will-devour,” “will tear apart.” McComiskey (page 217) suggests that the function of the waw consecutive here is primarily to connote logical consequence. God becoming a lion is the logical consequence of the people forgetting him. The NET footnote for this word agrees. The future sense of the verbs that follow this one indicate that the activity of God is pending. The BART interlinear cites Waltke and O’Connor chap 33.1.2.f, calling this a ‘specific future.’ A future sense is also supported by the LXX and the Vulgate. For example:

   So I will become like a lion to them (NRSV) (BSB, CEV, GNT, GW, KJV, NASB, NCV, NET, NIV, NJB, NLT, NRSV, REB)

2. It refers to what has begun to occur and is ongoing in Hosea’s time.The waw consecutive form is the standard way Biblical Hebrew indicates a past event in a story line. Keil (page 102) states that the word is the preterite that gives the consequence of forgetting God. The punishment has already begun and will continue in the future. Macintosh (page 532) agrees with rabbinical scholar ibn Ezra, who suggests that the waw consecutive [past] indicates the evils which have [already] befallen Israel. Davies (page 290) cites the NJPS “I am become” as a past event and suggests that the imperfect verbs that follow it might be meant as iterative present tenses, “I lurk,” “I attack them and rip open…” For example:

   So I am to them like a lion (ESV) (ESV, NJPS)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions. Translate this time reference in a natural way in your language.

There are also two main interpretations of the meaning of the Hebrew word for “I became” here:

1. It means “be/become.” His actions toward the people will be like those of a lion. The specific behavior of a lion is left implied. For example:

   So now I shall be like a lion to them (NJB) (ESV, GW, KJV, NASB, NCV, NJB, NJPS, NRSV, REB)

2. It means “attack.” He attacks the people like a lion does. For example:

   So I will attack you like a lion. (GNT) (BSB, CEV, GNT, NET, NIV, NLT)

Interpretation (1) will be used in the Display. However, either interpretation is acceptable. Each one implies the other.

lion: A lion is a large cat that is capable of killing humans as well as other animals. If lions are not known in your language area, it is suggested that you provide a picture or describe it in a footnote.

13:7b

leopard: A leopard is similar to a lion. It is a large, spotted cat that is capable of killing humans as well as other animals. Leopards hunt by silently stalking their prey before attacking. If leopards are not known in your language area, it is suggested that you provide a picture or describe it in a footnote.

I will lurk by the path: There is a Hebrew wordplay in this clause. The Hebrew word for I will lurk is very similar to the word for “Assyria.” This can be seen in some ancient versions, the LXX and the Peshitta. For example, the Peshitta has “like a leopard by the way of Assyria.” Generally the wordplay is not translated or footnoted in modern versions. The Hebrew word for I will lurk is literally “I will watch.”TWOT (#2354 II). In this context, the meaning is to watch in order to ambush.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Like a leopard I will lie in wait along your path. (GNT)

Like a leopard I will wait by the road to ambush you. (GW)