Book of Hosea - Chapter 8 - Verse 6

In this verse, the prophet Hosea is condemning the people of Israel for their worship of a golden calf in the city of Samaria. The calf was made by human hands, not by God, yet the Israelites were treating it as a deity. The verse emphasizes the foolishness of worshipping an idol created by man rather than the true and living God. By stating "the workman made it; therefore it is not God," Hosea is pointing out the absurdity of attributing divinity to an inanimate object crafted by a mere mortal. The prophet goes on to declare that the calf of Samaria will ultimately be destroyed, highlighting the impermanence and powerlessness of man-made gods. This verse serves as a reminder to the Israelites, and to all believers, of the importance of worshiping the one true God and not putting their trust in idols or material possessions.

In this verse from the book of Hosea, the prophet Hosea addresses the idolatry of the northern kingdom of Israel. The people had turned away from the one true God and instead worshiped a calf in Samaria. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the contrast between the calf, made by human hands, and the true God who created all things. The calf of Samaria, being a man-made object, is powerless and will ultimately be destroyed. This verse serves as a warning against the dangers of turning to idols and false gods, instead of relying on the Almighty. The word "workman" highlights the fact that the calf is a product of human craftsmanship, emphasizing its inferiority to the divine Creator. Through this verse, Hosea calls for repentance and a return to worshipping the one true God, who alone deserves our reverence and praise.