Hosea 13:13-16

Samaria shall become desolate -- Hosea 13:13-16: The sorrows of a travailing woman at childbirth were used to describe the misery that would come upon the nation of Israel. They would go through a terrible ordeal of invasion, destruction and oppression. However, God said, "I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death." This promise was fulfilled when Israel was released from the captivity. A second fulfillment is likely at the general resurrection. God would not repent or change His mind about this matter. It would be as He had predicted and His mind would not be changed.

It seemed as if the unfaithful leaders of Israel and the nation were prospering. God said, "No matter how much you prosper more than the other tribes, I, the LORD, will wipe you out, just as a scorching desert wind dries up streams of water. I will take away your precious treasures." The wrath of God put an end to the unrighteous rule of these ungodly leaders. The Assyrian nation came from the east and brought with them destruction to Israel. How bad would this destruction be? "Samaria will be punished for turning against me. It will be destroyed in war-- children will be beaten against rocks, and pregnant women will be ripped open." Samaria, the capital city of the Northern Kingdom became desolate at the overthrown by the Assyrians. The reason for this horrible fate is rebellion against God.