\\INTRODUCTION TO HOSEA 8\\

This chapter treats of the sins and punishment of Israel for them, as
the preceding; it is threatened and proclaimed that an enemy should
come swiftly against them, because of their transgression of the
covenant and law of God, \\#Ho 8:1\\; their hypocrisy is exposed,
\\#Ho 8:2\\; they are charged with the rejection of that which is good,
and therefore should be pursued by the enemy, \\#Ho 8:3\\; with setting
up kings and princes without consulting the Lord, \\#Ho 8:4\\; and with
making of idols, particularly the golden calves, which would be of no
use to them, disappoint them, and at last be broke to pieces,
\\#Ho 8:4-6\\; their seeking to their neighbours for help, and entering
into alliances with them, are represented as vain and fruitless, and
issuing in their ruin and destruction, \\#Ho 8:7-10\\; their sins of
multiplying altars, contrary to the law of God, and in contempt of it,
and offering sacrifices to the Lord, are observed; and they with a
visitation from him, \\#Ho 8:11-13\\; and the chapter is concluded with
some notice and Judah, the one building temples, and multiplying fenced
cities, which should be by fire, \\#Ho 8:14\\.