Albert Barnes Commentary Hosea 13:7

"Therefore am I unto them as a lion; as a leopard will I watch by the way;" — Hosea 13:7 (ASV)

I will be to them as a lion - They had grown fat and were full; yet this was so they would become prey themselves. Their wealth, which they were proud of, and which they abused, allured their enemies. To cut off all hopes of God’s mercy, He says that He will be to them as those of His creatures that never spare. The fierceness of the lion and the swiftness of the leopard together portray a speedy, inexorable chastisement.

But what a contrast! He who bore Israel in the wilderness like a Father, who bore them on eagle’s wings, who drew them with the cords of a man, with bands of love—He, the God of mercy and love, their Father, Protector, Defender, Avenger—it is He who will be their destroyer.