Hosea 8 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

Yahweh accuses Israel of breaking the covenant, making idols, and seeking foreign alliances.

1. Israel has broken Yahweh’s covenant (1–6)
2. Israel reaps the consequences of its sin (7–10)
3. Israel’s worship and alliances bring judgment (11–14)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

“the calf of Samaria”

This chapter contains some references to the “calf of Samaria.” This most likely refers to an image that was set up by an earlier king of Israel. He did this in order to discourage his people from going to Jerusalem, which was part of the southern kingdom of Judah.