Hosea 4:16

There is just cause why Judah should not imitate Israel, and this cause is here assigned. Israel; the ten tribes As a backsliding heifer, grown lusty, fed and wanton, will neither endure the yoke to work, nor be confined in her allowed. pastures, breaks over all bounds, casts off all service, so as Israel, as Hosea 4:7, which see. Now; ere long, or suddenly; so Hosea 2:10. The Lord, offended by their sins, and provoked to displeasure, will feed them as a lamb in a large place; in their sinning they were like an untamed heifer, boundless, strong, and stood upon their defence, but in their punishments they shall be like a lamb, solitary, full of fears, in a large place or wilderness, where is no rest, safety, or provision: such shall be the condition of the ten captivated tribes. This is a proverbial speech, setting forth the forlorn state which Israel ere long should fall under.