The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up;Ephraim, representing the northern kingdom of Israel, is often used as a symbol of the nation's collective sin. The phrase "bound up" suggests that their iniquity is recorded and preserved, indicating that it is not forgotten or overlooked by God. This imagery can be compared to the binding of a legal document, signifying that their sins are documented and awaiting judgment. In the broader biblical context, this reflects the consistent theme of accountability before God, as seen in passages like
Romans 2:5, where Paul speaks of storing up wrath for the day of judgment.
his sin is stored up.
The idea of sin being "stored up" implies accumulation and impending consequences. This storage suggests that there is a limit to God's patience, and a time will come when the stored sins will result in divine retribution. This concept is echoed in the prophetic literature, such as inAmos 8:2, where God declares that the end has come for Israel due to their accumulated transgressions. Theologically, this serves as a warning of the certainty of judgment and the need for repentance. It also foreshadows the ultimate resolution of sin through Jesus Christ, who offers redemption and forgiveness, as seen inColossians 2:14, where the record of debt is canceled through His sacrifice.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
EphraimEphraim was one of the tribes of Israel, often used to represent the Northern Kingdom as a whole. In Hosea, Ephraim symbolizes the collective sin and rebellion of Israel against God.
2.
HoseaA prophet in the 8th century BC, Hosea was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His life and prophecies illustrate God's steadfast love and the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness.
3.
Israel's SinThe context of this verse is the persistent sin and idolatry of Israel. Despite numerous warnings, Israel continued in its rebellion, leading to God's judgment.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of SinSin is not a trivial matter; it is recorded and has consequences. Just as Ephraim's sin was "bound up," our sins are known to God and require repentance.
The Need for RepentanceThe imagery of sin being "stored up" serves as a warning to turn back to God. Repentance is crucial to breaking free from the bondage of sin.
God's Patience and JusticeWhile God is patient, giving time for repentance, His justice will ultimately prevail. We must not take His patience for granted.
Personal ReflectionConsider what sins in your life might be "bound up" and seek God's forgiveness and transformation.
Community AccountabilityEncourage one another in the faith, helping each other to recognize and turn from sin, fostering a community of repentance and growth.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Hosea 13
Hosea 13:7-8: Does the graphic depiction of God as a devouring predator align with a loving deity, or does it represent an inconsistency in the biblical portrayal of God's character?
Hosea 13:2: Given the claim of idol-making by Ephraim, where is the archaeological evidence that confirms or challenges such extensive idol worship at that time and place?
Hosea 12:8: Does Israel's claim of innocence here contradict passages in which Israel is already punished or exiled?
How can 1 John 4:8 say 'God is love' when the Old Testament shows actions that don't seem loving?(12)
Bound up . . .
Hid.--The binding up and hiding away of Ephraim's sin as in a secret place, for ultimate disclosure, prepares us for the terrible words that follow.
Verse 12. -
The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up; his sin is hid. This verse is in tended to remove all doubt about the punishment of sin, whatever interval may have elapsed. The day of reckoning would certainly come, for the sin of Ephraim was neither forgotten nor blotted out. As a miser puts his money in a bag and seals it to prevent it being lost, so the Almighty had, as it were, hoarded Ephraim's sin, putting it in a bag and tying it. A parallel expression occurs in
Job 14:17," My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and thou sewest up mine iniquity." Usually when men put money into a bag, purse, or treasure-house, they count it; so the sins of Ephraim were reckoned, laid up in the treasury of wrath, till the amount should be full and the day of reckoning arrive. The sinner himself is represented as treasuring up unto himself wrath against the day of wrath. Aben Ezra only remarks on the place where it is treasured: "It is bound up in my heart; I shall not forget it as they have forgotten me, as is written above" (ver. 6, "They have forgotten me").
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The iniquityעֲוֺ֣ן(‘ă·wōn)Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 5771:Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquityof Ephraimאֶפְרָ֔יִם(’ep̄·rā·yim)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 669:Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory[is] bound up;צָרוּר֙(ṣā·rūr)Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 6887:To bind, tie up, be restricted, narrow, scant, or crampedhis sinחַטָּאתֽוֹ׃(ḥaṭ·ṭā·ṯōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2403:An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender[is] stored up.צְפוּנָ֖ה(ṣə·p̄ū·nāh)Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular
Strong's 6845:To hide, to hoard, reserve, to deny, to protect, to lurk
Links
Hosea 13:12 NIVHosea 13:12 NLTHosea 13:12 ESVHosea 13:12 NASBHosea 13:12 KJV
Hosea 13:12 BibleApps.comHosea 13:12 Biblia ParalelaHosea 13:12 Chinese BibleHosea 13:12 French BibleHosea 13:12 Catholic Bible
OT Prophets: Hosea 13:12 The guilt of Ephraim is stored up (Ho Hs Hos.) 
