Translations
Modern
But the more I called Israel, the farther they departed from Me. They sacrificed to the Baals and burned incense to carved images.
Traditional
As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.
Literal
And I called to them, so they went away from My face; to the Baals they sacrificed, and to the carved images they burned incense.
Latin
Vocaverunt eos, sic abierunt a facie eorum; Baalim immolabant, et simulacris sacrificabant.
Original
Hebrew
English
But the more I called Israel, the farther they departed from Me. They sacrificed to the Baals and burned incense to carved images.
Notes
Despite God's love, Israel acted like a rebellious child, offering sacrifices to Baal. The punishment for a rebellious son was death (Deuteronomy 21:18–21).
God grieved over Israel’s unfaithfulness. Even after all he had done for them, Israel had turned into a rebellious people. Justice required serious punishment, but the final decision about Israel’s future would come from God’s tender compassion for his people, not from an abstract rule.
Theme notes and profiles
Events
- Prophecies of Hoseac. 785 BC
Parallels
People
Baal: Canaanite god, "Lord/God of the Covenant"
Glossary
Topics
Baalim: Plural Form of Baal Backsliders: Backsliding of Israel Idolatry: Objects of Described as Graven Images Idolatry: Other Customs of Incense Burned on Altars Idolatry: Warnings Against, and Punishments of Impenitence: General Scriptures Concerning