Hosea 8:6

KJV

For from Israel [was] it also: the workman made it; therefore it [is] not God: but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.

KJV (with Strong's)

For from Israel {H3478} was it also: the workman {H2796} made {H6213} it; therefore it is not God {H430}: but the calf {H5695} of Samaria {H8111} shall be broken in pieces {H7616}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is what Isra'el produces: a craftsman makes something - it's a non-god; the calf of Shomron will be broken to pieces.

Berean Standard Bible

For this thing is from Israel— a craftsman made it, and it is not God. It will be broken to pieces, that calf of Samaria.

American Standard Version

For from Israel is even this; the workman made it, and it is no God; yea, the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 8:6 delivers a scathing indictment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel's pervasive idolatry, specifically targeting the golden calves established for worship. The prophet Hosea powerfully exposes the absurdity and inherent futility of revering objects crafted by human hands, asserting with divine authority that such creations are emphatically "not God." The verse culminates in a prophetic declaration of inevitable judgment, foretelling the complete destruction of these man-made deities and, by extension, the false religious system they represent.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Hosea (chapters 7-10) where the prophet pronounces a series of judgments against Israel for their deep-seated spiritual apostasy, political instability, and reliance on foreign alliances rather than on God. Hosea 8 specifically condemns Israel's rejection of God's covenant, their pursuit of idolatry, and their establishment of kings and altars without divine sanction. Verse 6 directly follows a condemnation of their political rebellion and their futile attempts to seek help from Assyria, contrasting their misplaced trust in human power with their abandonment of the true divine power. The mention of the calf serves as a concrete example of the nation's spiritual prostitution and covenant infidelity, a recurring theme throughout the book of Hosea, particularly evident in passages like [Hosea 4:12](/hosea/4-12 "Hosea 4:12 - Spiritual Prostitution") and [Hosea 13:2](/hosea/13-2 "Hosea 13:2 - Idolatry and Judgment").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The worship of golden calves in Israel originated with King Jeroboam I, who, after the division of the kingdom, set up two golden calves in Bethel and Dan to prevent his subjects from returning to Jerusalem for worship, fearing their loyalty would shift back to the Davidic dynasty ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28-30 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves")). This act, born of political expediency, quickly became the entrenched "sin of Jeroboam," leading generations of Israelites into idolatry. Samaria, as the capital city of the Northern Kingdom, became a focal point of this false worship and thus a symbol of the nation's rebellion. The calf imagery may have been influenced by surrounding Canaanite fertility cults (like Baal worship, often associated with bull imagery) or even distorted memories of Egyptian bull deities (like Apis). However, Hosea emphasizes that these calves were *from Israel* and *made by a workman*, highlighting the internal origin and human fabrication of their apostasy, rather than solely external influence.
* **Key Themes:** Hosea 8:6 contributes significantly to several major themes present in the book. Firstly, it underscores **the folly and futility of idolatry**, powerfully demonstrating the absurdity of worshipping something created by human hands. This theme is central to the prophetic critique of Israel's spiritual blindness, echoing the broader Old Testament message against idol worship found in passages like [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4-8 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Impotence of Idols"). Secondly, it highlights **the uniqueness and transcendence of the true God**, emphatically stating, "therefore it is not God." This asserts a fundamental theological distinction between the uncreated, sovereign Creator and the finite, dependent objects of human manufacture. Finally, the verse powerfully conveys the theme of **divine judgment on covenant infidelity**. The prophecy that "the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces" signifies God's impending and inevitable judgment on Israel's idolatrous practices, which were a direct violation of the first commandment and a betrayal of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. This judgment would manifest in the destruction of their false religious system and ultimately their exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **workman (Hebrew, _chârâsh'_):** This term (H2796) refers to a fabricator or artificer, someone skilled in working with various materials like wood, metal, or stone. Its inclusion here is crucial, as it immediately debunks any claim of divinity for the idol. The fact that a *human* craftsman made the object inherently means it cannot be divine, for God is the Creator, not the created. This word underscores the human origin and therefore the inherent limitation and powerlessness of the idol.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun (H430), often used for the supreme God, is here explicitly denied to the calf. The blunt declaration "it is not God" serves as a definitive theological statement. It emphasizes the absolute qualitative difference between the true, living, unmade God of Israel and the lifeless, man-made image. This contrast highlights God's unique sovereignty and existence apart from human creation or manipulation.
* **broken in pieces (Hebrew, _shâbâb'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to break up," this word (H7616) signifies fragmentation and ruin. Its use here is a prophetic declaration of the idol's ultimate fate. It implies not just physical destruction but also the utter futility and powerlessness of the calf to save itself or its worshippers. This destruction symbolizes the dismantling of the entire idolatrous system and the judgment that will fall upon those who trusted in it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For from Israel [was] it also":** This opening phrase emphasizes that the idolatry was not merely an external imposition but originated from within the nation of Israel itself. It highlights their internal culpability and the fact that they willingly embraced and perpetuated this sin, rather than being passive victims of foreign influence. It underscores their active role in their own spiritual downfall.
* **"the workman made it; therefore it [is] not God":** This is the core theological argument of the verse. The simple, undeniable fact that a human "workman" crafted the idol serves as irrefutable proof that it cannot be divine. God is the uncreated Creator, while idols are mere products of human hands, possessing no inherent power, life, or authority. This statement strips the idol of any perceived sanctity or power, exposing its utter emptiness.
* **"but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces":** This clause delivers the prophetic consequence of Israel's idolatry. "The calf of Samaria" specifically refers to the golden calves set up in the Northern Kingdom, particularly symbolizing the one in Bethel, which was a central site of worship for the capital, Samaria. The declaration that it "shall be broken in pieces" is a divine judgment, foretelling the complete destruction of these idols and, by extension, the collapse of the false religious system and the nation that clung to it. It signifies the ultimate triumph of God's justice over human rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 8:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Irony** is prominent, as the prophet highlights the absurdity of a people worshipping an object that they themselves fashioned. The idea that a "workman" could create a "god" is inherently contradictory and serves to mock the idolaters' spiritual blindness. The phrase "therefore it is not God" functions as a blunt, **rhetorical assertion**, leaving no room for debate or misunderstanding; it is a definitive statement of theological truth that underscores the unique nature of the true God. **Symbolism** is also central, with "the calf of Samaria" serving as a potent symbol not just for the physical idol but for the entire system of idolatry, spiritual apostasy, and covenant betrayal that characterized the Northern Kingdom. Finally, the concluding phrase, "shall be broken in pieces," is a clear example of **prophecy and foreshadowing**, declaring the inevitable divine judgment and the utter destruction awaiting those who reject the Creator for the created. The entire verse is built on a sharp **contrast** between the impotent, man-made idol and the sovereign, uncreated God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 8:6 profoundly articulates the theological truth that anything created by human hands cannot be God. This verse is a direct assault on the fundamental nature of idolatry, which is not merely the worship of a physical object, but the misdirection of ultimate trust, allegiance, and worship away from the true Creator. It underscores that God alone is worthy of worship because He is unmade, eternal, and sovereign, possessing inherent power and life. Idolatry, whether ancient or modern, represents a profound spiritual rebellion—a rejection of God's unique identity and a violation of the first commandment. It is a futile attempt to control or manipulate the divine, reducing God to something comprehensible and manageable by human will, ultimately leading to emptiness and judgment because the created cannot sustain the creator.

* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4-8 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Impotence of Idols")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - Mockery of Idol Makers")
* [Exodus 32:7-8](/exodus/32-7-8 "Exodus 32:7-8 - The Golden Calf at Sinai")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 8:6 serves as a timeless warning against the insidious nature of idolatry, a sin that transcends ancient practices and manifests in myriad forms today. While we may no longer bow before golden calves, the human heart remains prone to elevating created things above the Creator. Modern "calves of Samaria" can include anything we trust in more than God for our security, identity, worth, or happiness: money, career, relationships, social status, political ideologies, self-image, or even religious traditions devoid of true worship. This verse challenges us to critically examine our lives and discern what truly occupies the throne of our hearts. If anything other than the living God holds ultimate sway, it is an idol that, like the calf of Samaria, will ultimately prove to be broken and useless, unable to provide lasting hope, peace, or salvation. True worship involves acknowledging God's sole sovereignty, submitting to His will, and finding our complete fulfillment in Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "calves of Samaria" in my own life or in contemporary society that compete for ultimate allegiance?**
* **How does the fact that "the workman made it" challenge my reliance on human achievements, systems, or self-sufficiency instead of God?**
* **In what ways might I be seeking security, identity, or purpose from created things rather than from the Creator?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my worship and trust are directed solely towards the true God, rather than towards anything else?**

### FAQ
**Why was the calf worship so offensive to God, given that the Israelites had a history with animal imagery (e.g., cherubim)?**

Answer: The offense of the calf worship, unlike the cherubim, lay in its direct violation of the first two commandments: "You shall have no other gods before me" and "You shall not make for yourself a carved image... You shall not bow down to them or serve them" ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Two Commandments")). While cherubim were divinely commanded symbols within the tabernacle/temple, pointing to God's presence and holiness, the golden calves were *man-made* objects intended to *represent* or *contain* God, or worse, to serve as alternative deities. They were a deliberate rejection of God's unique, invisible, and transcendent nature, reducing Him to a tangible, controllable form, and often incorporating pagan elements. Jeroboam's calves were specifically set up as rival worship centers to Jerusalem, fostering a syncretistic religion that blended Yahwism with Canaanite practices, fundamentally distorting the true worship of Yahweh.

**What is the significance of the phrase "therefore it is not God"?**

Answer: This phrase is a blunt, definitive theological declaration that strips the idol of any perceived divinity. It highlights the fundamental distinction between the Creator and the created. Because the calf was "made" by a "workman," it cannot possess the inherent, uncreated nature of God. This statement is a powerful logical and theological conclusion, asserting that an object of human manufacture, no matter how revered, lacks the power, life, or authority of the true God. It serves to expose the utter futility and spiritual emptiness of idolatry, emphasizing God's unique and incomparable sovereignty as the only unmade, eternal Being.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 8:6, with its stark condemnation of man-made idols and its declaration of their ultimate destruction, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "calf of Samaria" represents humanity's futile attempts to create gods in its own image, seeking security and worship in anything but the true God. Jesus, however, is not a created being; He is the uncreated God incarnate, the very Word who "was with God, and the Word was God" ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the true object of worship, the one who perfectly reveals the Father, unlike the impotent idols that cannot speak, see, or save ([Psalm 115:5-7](/psalm/115-5-7 "Psalm 115:5-7 - Idols Have No Power")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ broke the power of sin and idolatry, liberating humanity from the bondage of worshipping false gods and empty pursuits. He fulfills the covenant that Israel continually broke, establishing a new covenant where worship is no longer tied to physical locations or man-made objects, but is offered "in spirit and truth" to the Father ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). In Christ, all false gods are exposed as powerless, and the call to worship Him alone becomes the pathway to true life and salvation, as He is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 44:9

¶ They that make a graven image [are] all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they [are] their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.

Isaiah 44:20

He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, [Is there] not a lie in my right hand?

Psalms 115:4

Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

Psalms 115:8

They that make them are like unto them; [so is] every one that trusteth in them.

2 Kings 23:15

Moreover the altar that [was] at Bethel, [and] the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made, both that altar and the high place he brake down, and burned the high place, [and] stamped [it] small to powder, and burned the grove.

Hosea 10:5

The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof [that] rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it.

Hosea 10:6

It shall be also carried unto Assyria [for] a present to king Jareb: Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.