« | Hosea 8 | » |
1 SET THE trumpet to your lips! [The enemy] comes as a [great] vulture against the house of the Lord, because they have broken My covenant and transgressed against My law.
2 Then they will cry to Me, My God, we [of Israel] know You!
3 Israel has rejected the good [with loathing]; the enemy shall pursue him.
4 They set up kings, but not from Me [therefore without My blessing]; they have made princes or removed them [without consulting Me; therefore], I knew and recognized [them] not. With their silver and their gold they made idols for themselves, that they [the silver and the gold] may be destroyed.
5 Your calf [idol], O Samaria, is loathsome and I have spurned it. My wrath burns against them. How long will it be before they attain purity?
6 For this [calf] too is from Israel; a craftsman made it; therefore it is not God. The calf of Samaria shall be broken to shivers and go up in flames.
7 For they sow the wind and they shall reap the whirlwind. The standing grain has no heads; it shall yield no meal; if it were to yield, strangers and aliens would eat it up.
8 Israel is [as if] swallowed up. Already they have become among the nations as a vessel [of cheap, coarse pottery] that is useless.
9 For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass taking her own way by herself; Ephraim has hired lovers.
10 Yes, though with presents they hire [allies] among the nations, now will I gather them up, and in a little while they will sorrow and begin to diminish [their gifts] because of the burden (tribute) imposed by the king of princes [the king of Assyria].
11 For Ephraim has multiplied altars for sinning; yes, to him altars are intended for sinning.
12 I wrote for him the ten thousand things of My law, but they are counted as a strange thing [as something which does not concern him].
13 My sacrificial gifts they sacrifice [as a mere form]; yes, they sacrifice flesh and eat it, but the Lord does not accept them. Now He will [earnestly] remember their guilt and iniquity and will punish their sins. They shall return to [another] Egypt [Assyria]. [Deut. 28:68.]
14 For Israel has forgotten his Maker and built palaces and idol temples, and Judah has multiplied fortified cities; but I will send a fire upon his cities and it shall devour his palaces and fortified buildings. [Amos 1:4, 7, 10, 12, 14; 2:2, 5.]
The Amplified Bible (AMP)
The Amplified Bible (AMP) is a unique translation of the Bible that aims to provide a richer and deeper understanding of the scriptures by incorporating various shades of meaning found in the original languages. First published in 1965, the AMP was developed by The Lockman Foundation and its team of scholars, who sought to expand on the text by including additional words and phrases within brackets and parentheses. These amplifications are intended to clarify and explain the nuances of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words, offering readers a more comprehensive view of the biblical text.
One of the defining features of the Amplified Bible is its use of multiple English words to translate single Hebrew or Greek terms. This approach acknowledges that no single English word can fully capture the breadth of meaning contained in the original languages. By providing synonyms and explanatory phrases, the AMP helps readers grasp the fuller implications of the text, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the scriptures. This makes the AMP particularly valuable for in-depth Bible study, as it opens up the text in a way that more concise translations might not.
The Amplified Bible also pays careful attention to the context in which words are used. The amplifications often reflect the cultural, historical, and theological background of the passages, offering insights into how the original audience might have understood the text. This contextual sensitivity helps modern readers bridge the gap between the ancient world and contemporary times, making the Bible messages more relatable and accessible. The comprehensive approach of AMP is especially helpful for those new to biblical studies, as well as for seasoned scholars looking for a fresh perspective.
While the Amplified Bible is widely appreciated for its depth and clarity, it has faced some criticism for its interpretive nature. Some readers and scholars argue that the extensive use of amplifications can lead to a cluttered and sometimes overwhelming reading experience. Additionally, there is a concern that the interpretive additions might sway readers toward particular theological viewpoints. Despite these critiques, the Amplified Bible remains a popular and respected translation, valued for its ability to enrich the reader in understanding of the scriptures and to illuminate the multifaceted meanings contained within the biblical text.