Hosea 8:9
For they — they have gone up [to] Asshur, A wild ass alone by himself [is] Ephraim, They have hired lovers!
Young's Literal Translation
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 hath been swallowed up, Now they have been among nations, As a vessel in which is no delight.
Cross References
2 Kings 15:19Pul king of Asshur hath come against the land, and Menahem giveth to Pul a thousand talents of silver, for his hand being with him to strengthen the kingdom in his hand.
Isaiah 30:2Who are walking to go down to Egypt, And My mouth have not asked, To be strong in the strength of Pharaoh, And to trust in the shadow of Egypt.
Jeremiah 2:24A wild ass accustomed to a wilderness, In the desire of her soul she hath swallowed up wind, Her meeting — who doth turn her back? None seeking her do weary themselves, In her month they find her.
Ezekiel 23:5And go a-whoring doth Aholah under Me, And she doteth on her lovers, On the neighbouring Assyrians,
Hosea 2:10And now do I reveal her dishonour before the eyes of her lovers, And none doth deliver her out of My hand.
Hosea 7:11And Ephraim is as a simple dove without heart, Egypt they called on — [to] Asshur they have gone.
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 →