_When Israel was a child_, &c. “The Israel of this chapter is the whole people, composed of the two branches, Judah and the ten tribes. But the _house of Israel_ is the kingdom of the ten tribes, as distinct from the other branch.” Horsley. By the time of Israel's childhood is meant the patriarchal... [ Continue Reading ]
_As they called them, so_, &c. Or, _The more they called them_, or, _they were called, so much the more they went from him;_ that is, the more earnestly the prophets called upon them to cleave steadfastly to the true God, (see Hosea 11:7,) the more they were bent to depart from him to the worship of... [ Continue Reading ]
_I taught Ephraim also to go_ Hebrew, תרגלתי לאפרים, _I directed the feet of Ephraim._ In this time of Ephraim's childhood, I supported and directed his steps, as a mother or nurse those of a child whom she is teaching to walk. _Taking them by their arms_ To guide them, that they might not stray fro... [ Continue Reading ]
_He shall not return into the land of Egypt_ They were desirous of making their escape thither, and many families perhaps effected it: see note on Hosea 9:6. But it is here threatened, that the nation in a body should not be permitted so to escape. _But the Assyrian shall be his king_ They shall be... [ Continue Reading ]
_My people are bent to backsliding from me_ Many versions render this clause, _Nevertheless, my people are in suspense_ (or hesitate) _about returning to me; though they called them to the Most High_ Though my prophets, and other pious persons, invited and exhorted them to return to my worship and s... [ Continue Reading ]
_How shall I give thee up, Ephraim_ To utter destruction? God's mercy is here pathetically described as contending with his justice, to show that he does not willingly destroy, or even _afflict_, or _grieve, the children of men, Lamentations 3:33_. _How shall I make thee as Admah?_ &c. How shall I g... [ Continue Reading ]
_They shall walk after the Lord_ The remnant shall hearken to God's call, and shall comply with his commands, when he shall convert them by the powerful preaching of his gospel, and the efficacious influence of his grace. _He shall roar like a lion_ That is, he will show terrible signs of his anger,... [ Continue Reading ]
Hosea 11:12. _Ephraim compasseth me about with lies_ Ephraim and Israel are hypocrites; they promise much and perform nothing; they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. _But Judah yet ruleth with God_ Judah kept close to that kingly government which God had settled in D... [ Continue Reading ]