Definition: And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, [and] idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 13:2. It’s a really important and somewhat shocking passage about how people were behaving in ancient Israel. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: A Focus on the People: The verse is describing a period of intense sin among the Israelites, particularly under Hosea. Creating Idols: The Israelites had started making images – “molten images” – of silver and other precious metals. These weren't religious idols, but rather representations of people or figures that they worshiped. They were essentially made to look like real things. “Craftsmen” - The Makers: The verse mentions "the craftsmen" who were creating these images. This suggests a group of skilled artisans – perhaps metalworkers or sculptors – who were producing these idols. What’s the Problem? Increased Sin: The key point is that they were increasingly sinning. The verse says, “And now they sin more and more.” This suggests a growing problem with their behavior. Making Them of Silver: They weren't just making them of any metal; they were making them of silver – a valuable and precious metal. What’s the Meaning Behind It? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about: Idolatry: The creation of idols was seen as a major step towards idolatry - worshipping anything other than God. Worshiping idols can lead to obsession, disregard for God's will, and ultimately, separation from God. Lack of Spiritual Focus: It suggests a lack of genuine faith and a focus on the true object of worship: God. They weren’t seeking to connect with or understand God through prayer and devotion; they were building something to God, rather than with God. The Specific Line – “Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves”: This is where it gets a little more complex and debated. It's a very disturbing phrase. Here’s what scholars think it means: Sacrifice as a Distraction: The verse suggests that these idols were meant to distract from true worship. The act of sacrificing (offering) to the idols was seen as less important than the idolatry itself – which is, in essence, focusing on the wrong thing. A Sign of Deeper Problem: It's interpreted as a sign that they were losing sight of the fundamental importance of God and his sacrifice for humanity. In short, Hosea 13:2 highlights a troubling pattern of human behavior – an increasing focus on worldly objects (idols) over genuine devotion to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage? Explore the theological implications of this verse?