_Israel is an empty vine_ The Hebrew, גפן בוקק, may either signify, _an empty_, or _emptying vine._ If we take it in the former sense, the meaning is, Israel is a vine which has no fruit on it; that is, that they brought forth no fruit to God, had no true worshippers of him among them, none that tru... [ Continue Reading ]
_Their heart is divided_ Between God and their idols, or between God and the world. _Now shall they be found faulty_ As this was their sin, so it is here threatened, that the effects thereof should prove, and be an open manifestation of their guilt. The Hebrew עתה יאשׁמו, may be rendered, _now shall... [ Continue Reading ]
_They have spoken words_ Mere _empty words; swearing falsely in making a covenant_ This may be spoken either of their breaking their solemn covenant with God, (see Hosea 5:7,) or of their treachery toward their kings, against whom they had formed several conspiracies: see 2 Kings 15:10; 2 Kings 15:1... [ Continue Reading ]
_The inhabitants of Samaria_ That is, the kingdom of Israel; _shall fear “Be in a consternation.”_ Horsley. _Because of the calves of Beth-aven_ The Jewish writers have a tradition, that the golden calf at Dan was taken away by Tiglath-pileser, when he subdued Galilee, 2 Kings 15:29; and the other a... [ Continue Reading ]
_It_ The golden calf; _shall be carried into Assyria_ It was the custom of the eastern people, and also of the Romans, to carry away the gods of the conquered countries. _For a present to King Jareb_ See note on Hosea 5:13. The king of Assyria is meant, whose dependant and tributary the king of Isra... [ Continue Reading ]
_O Israel, thou hast sinned from the days of Gibeah_ This is not the first of thy sinning, O Israel, for long ago there was the greatest corruption of manners, and the most flagrant wickedness in Gibeah; and thou hast continued to be wicked ever since that time: see Judges 19. Some render the words,... [ Continue Reading ]
_It is my desire that I should chastise them_ Then I protected and gave them success, but now it is my desire that they should suffer due punishment; and I will bring punishment upon them. _And the people shall be gathered against them_ Either the Assyrians, whose alliance they formerly sought after... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ephraim is a heifer that is taught_ Or, _that is teachable; and loveth to tread out the corn_ In opposition to ploughing; that is, loves the booty not gained by its own labour; or to tread out, and freely eat of the corn which is not its own. The mouth of the ox which trod out the corn was not muzz... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sow to yourselves in righteousness._ Exercise yourselves in the works of righteousness and holiness, in the performance of all duties due both to God and man. _Reap in mercy_ And then God, of his grace and mercy, will, in due time, bestow an abundant reward upon you. _Break up your fallow ground_ Y... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ye have ploughed wickedness_ Instead of working righteousness, (Hosea 10:12,) you have taken a great deal of pains in the service of sin, to compass your wicked designs. _Ye have reaped iniquity_ Ye have, in return, received the fruit of iniquity, namely, punishment, or calamity. _Ye have eaten the... [ Continue Reading ]