Bible Commentary

Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images. 2. Their heart is divided ] viz., between Jehovah and idols. But this, which involves an alteration of the points, gives too weak a sense for such a context. It is better to keep … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 10:2”

Israel [is] an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land they have made goodly images. Israel’s guilt and its punishment, each shown by examples. But even in this dark chapter there is a short gleam … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 10:1”

My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him: and they shall be wanderers among the nations. 17. The prophet has quelled his brief paroxysm, and calmly proceeds. But the threat is not now extermination. My God ] No longer, alas! Israel’s God. Comp. Isaiah’s ‘this people’ for ‘my people’ (Isa … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 9:17”

Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay [even] the beloved [fruit] of their womb. 16. Ephraim is smitten ] Ephraim’s population is compared to the branches of a tree, and the national vitality to the root. The tree is ‘smitten’ … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 9:16”

All their wickedness [is] in Gilgal: for there I hated them: for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of mine house, I will love them no more: all their princes [are] revolters. 15. All their wickedness is in Gilgal, &c.] The dangerous attractiveness of Gilgal has been mentioned already (Hos 4:15): … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 9:15”

Give them, O LORD: what wilt thou give? give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts. 14. The prophet recognizes the necessity of a judgment, but pleads for a mitigation. Love for his people burns within him, and prompts him to do all that is consistent with his moral perceptions and the revelation made to … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 9:14”

Ephraim, as I saw Tyrus, [is] planted in a pleasant place: but Ephraim shall bring forth his children to the murderer. 13. Ephraim, as I saw Tyrus, &c.] The passage is most obscure, and it is difficult to believe that Hosea meant what A.V. supposes. ‘As I look at Tyre’, would be better; but then … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 9:13”

Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, [that there shall] not [be] a man [left]: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them! 12. But what shall be the fate of the children already born? A lurid light is next thrown upon this. Though ] Rather, Yea, though. bereave … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 9:12”

[As for] Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird, from the birth, and from the womb, and from the conception. 11. The prophet leaves us to supply the idea that Ephraim’s present transgressions are as heinous as those of old, and passes on to the punishment. their glory like a bird ] Rather, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 9:11”

I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: [but] they went to Baal-peor, and separated themselves unto [that] shame; and [their] abominations were according as they loved. 10. like grapes in the wilderness ] With such delight as a traveller … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hosea 9:10”