When Israel [was] a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. Ver. 1. _When Israel was a child, then I loved him_] On, because Israel was a child I loved him. Young things are lovely; young children especially, for their innocence and ignoscence. Some sense it thus, Israel was a chil... [ Continue Reading ]
Hosea 11:2 [As] they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images. Ver. 2. _As they called them_] _i.e._ As the prophets and ministers (whose names are here concealed, that the Word only may be glorified, as Act 13:48) called to them, to come... [ Continue Reading ]
I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them. Ver. 3. _I taught Ephraim also to go_] A child he was, Hosea 11:1, and like a child I dealt with him, teaching him how to set his feet, _pedare,_ to foot it, as nurses do their little ones: he keepeth the... [ Continue Reading ]
I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them. Ver. 4. _I drew them with cords of a man_] Not of a beast; though they have deserved to be hampered as unruly heifers, and to be yoked and ruled over with... [ Continue Reading ]
He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return. Ver. 5. _He shall not return unto the land of Egypt_] That is, he needs not run to Egypt for help (as King Hoshea did), nor to the Assyrian, to whom they were tributaries from the time of... [ Continue Reading ]
And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour [them], because of their own counsels. Ver. 6. _And the sword shall abide on his cities_] Heb. shall keep residence or rush upon his cities. It can do no less; it cannot return into the scabbard, rest or be still, t... [ Continue Reading ]
And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt [him]. Ver. 7. _My people are bent to backsliding from me_] They have a principle of apostasy in them, as those Galatians had of whom the apostle, "I marvel that you are so soon removed... [ Continue Reading ]
How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? [how] shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? [how] shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together. Ver. 8. _How shall I give thee up, Ephraim_] Here beginneth the second part of this chapter, f... [ Continue Reading ]
I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I [am] God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city. Ver. 9. _I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger_] Heb. the heat of it. God's heart kindled, and whatsoe... [ Continue Reading ]
They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west. Ver. 10. _They shall walk after the Lord_] Powerfully calling them by his Word and Spirit, going before them, and bringing up the rear, Isaiah 3:12; their king shall pass be... [ Continue Reading ]
They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria: and I will place them in their houses, saith the LORD. Ver. 11. _They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt_] _Trepide accurrent,_ so Tremellius; they shall run tremblingly. Fear causeth haste. Men delay and trifle... [ Continue Reading ]
Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints. Ver. 12. _Ephraim compasseth me about with lies_] They get about me as if they would do me doughty service (Psalms 76:11, the saints are called a people that a... [ Continue Reading ]