Hosea 8:9
For they have gone up to Assur, a wild ass alone by himself. Ephraim has given presents to his lovers.
Catholic Public Domain Version
In The King James Version
For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself: Ephraim hath hired lovers.
In Context
8Israel has been devoured. Now, among the nations, it has become like an unclean vessel.
Cross References
2 Kings 15:19Then Pul, the king of the Assyrians, came into the land. And Menahem gave Pul one thousand talents of silver, so that he would be a help to him, and so that he might strengthen his kingdom.
Isaiah 30:2You are walking so as to descend into Egypt, and you have not sought answers from my mouth, instead hoping for assistance from the strength of Pharaoh and placing trust in the shadow of Egypt.
Jeremiah 2:24A wild donkey accustomed to solitude, out of the desire in his soul, caught the scent of his lover. Now nothing will turn him away from her. All those who seek her will not cease. But they will find her in her menstruation.
Ezekiel 23:5And then, Oholah committed fornication against me, and she acted madly with her lovers, with the Assyrians who approached her,
Hosea 2:10And now, I will reveal her foolishness by the eyes of her lovers, and no man will rescue her from my hand.
Hosea 7:11And Ephraim has become like a pigeon that has been led astray, not having a heart; for they called upon Egypt, they went to the Assyrians.
Matthew Henry on Hosea 8:9-14
The Sins of Israel; The Crimes of the People. ( b. c. 745.) 8 Israel is swallowed up: now shall they be among the Gentiles as a vessel wherein is no pleasure. 9 For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself: Ephraim hath hired lovers. 10 Yea, though they have hired among the nations, now will I gather them, and they shall sorrow a little for the burden of the king of princes. 11 Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto him to sin. 12 I have written to him the great things… Read the whole commentary →