Hosea 13:14

HOSEA—NOTE ON Hosea 13:14 Shall I ransom them from the power of Sheol? In the OT, “Sheol” is a proper name and can be a metaphor for the grave (e.g., 1 Kings 2:6; Psalms 141:7). It can also represent the wicked person’s grim destination after death (see Psalms 49:14). The parallel wording with Psalms 49:15 suggests that Hosea sees Ephraim’s “death” as leading to Sheol in the second sense of separation from God. Thus God asks himself whether he should rescue Ephraim from such consequences. O Death, where are your plagues? If the Lord is their strong deliverer, then not even death will be able to terrify them or harm them. In 1 Corinthians 15:55 Paul cites part of Hosea 13:14. He views the general resurrection as God’s triumph over bodily death and eternal judgment for the faithful. Sadly, in Hosea’s time Israel rejects the only power that can save her. Thus compassion is hidden from God’s eyes, and Israel faces destruction (vv. Hosea 13:15).