Hosea 13:8

Verse Hosea 13:8. As a bear - bereaved] This is a figure to denote excessive ferocity. 2 Samuel 17:8, where a remarkable instance is given.

And will rend the caul of their heart] Every savage beast goes first to the seat of the blood when it has seized its prey; as in this fluid they delight more than in the most delicate parts of the flesh.

There will I devour them like a lion] לביא labi, the old strong lion; drinking the blood, tearing the flesh, and breaking the bones to extract the marrow.

The wild beast shall tear them] Probably this refers to the chakal or jackal, who frequently hunts down the prey, which the lion takes the liberty to devour, while the jackal stands by, and afterwards picks the bones. Hence he has been called the lion's PROVIDER, and the lion's waiting-man.