In Hosea 10:14, the prophet refers to a figure named Shalman, who brought destruction upon Beth Arbel in a horrifying military attack. Scholars believe “Shalman” is most likely a shortened form of Shalmanesser, a name borne by several Assyrian kings. The strongest candidate is Shalmaneser V, who ruled Assyria during Hosea’s time and led campaigns against Israel (cf, 2Kings 17:3-6).
The specific event at Beth Arbel is not found elsewhere in the Bible or known historical sources, but it must have been a notorious massacre, remembered for its brutality-“when mothers were dashed to the ground with their children.” Hosea uses this image to warn that Israel’s fate will be no different if they continue in their idolatry and injustice.
Just as history remembers atrocities under powerful empires, the prophet reminds Israel ; judgment comes not only through divine pronouncement, but also through world events and empires that God sovereignty uses.
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