Hosea 8:9
For they have gone up to Assyria like a wild donkey on its own. Ephraim has hired lovers.
Majority Standard Bible
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 is swallowed up! Now they are among the nations like a worthless vessel.
Cross References
2 Kings 15:19Then Pul king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver in order to gain his support and strengthen his own grip on the kingdom.
Isaiah 30:2They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade.
Jeremiah 2:24a wild donkey at home in the wilderness, sniffing the wind in the heat of her desire. Who can restrain her passion? All who seek her need not weary themselves; in mating season they will find her.
Ezekiel 23:5Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors
Hosea 2:10And then I will expose her lewdness in the sight of her lovers, and no one will deliver her out of My hands.
Hosea 7:11So Ephraim has become like a silly, senseless dove—calling out to Egypt, then turning to Assyria.
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 →