Hosea 13

“You are destroyed, Israel, because you are against me, against your helper” (9). The people of Israel had escaped Egypt, crossed the desert, and found a refuge in the Promised Land because of the Lord. “I cared for you in the wilderness, in the land of burning heat” (5). He was Israel’s “helper” - their protection, provision, and guide. Yet their abundance made them forget their need for the true God, and they fell back into idolatry, making elaborate silver idols just like their neighbors (2,6).

“You shall acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me” (4). We can’t worship God plus anyone or anything else. He alone deliverers us from sin and death (14), and He calls us to exclusive allegiance.