8:1 to your lips the trumpet Ancients used trumpets to sound an alarm or gather the people. See note on Hos 5:8.

vulture The Hebrew word refers to any large bird of prey and is often translated as “eagle” or “vulture” (see note on Ezek 17:3). Here, the bird symbolizes a foreign invader—probably Assyria. Compare Ezek 17, in which two eagles represent the opposing forces of Babylon and Egypt.

the house of Yahweh Though this phrase usually refers to the temple in Jerusalem, Hosea uses it more generically to refer to the land of Israel (see Hos 9:4, 15).

they have broken my covenant Compare 6:7 and note.

8:2 My God! We, Israel, know you The Israelites are bewildered that Yahweh is not responding to their cry, even though they are simply going through the motions of legalistic ritual. Their outward ritualism conceals an inward rebellion (compare 6:6 and note).

8:4 They appointed kings The kingship in Israel had passed through the hands of numerous usurpers since the time of Jeroboam I (1 Kgs 11–12). Few of those kings were divinely appointed.

their silver and gold they made idols Jeroboam made two golden calves and established shrines at Bethel and Dan so the northern Israelites would not need to travel to Jerusalem for sacrifices. See 1 Kgs 12:28–30.

8:6 an artisan made it Compare Isa 40:19–20.

the calf of Samaria Refers to the calf idol at Bethel (1 Kgs 12:28–29). Samaria refers to Israel in general.

8:9 Ephraim has sold itself for lovers Refers to political allies. See note on Hos 2:5.

8:10 from the burden of The heavy tribute Assyria exacted was a major factor inspiring rebellion in Israel and surrounding kingdoms.

8:13 they will return to Egypt Reverses the deliverance from Egypt as punishment. See Deut 28:68.

8:14 built palaces In their prosperity, the people of Israel have neglected to acknowledge Yahweh as the one responsible for blessing them.