Hosea 11

Hosea 11:1

VVHen Israel was a childe] Or, Because Israel was a childe. In it first begining, namly when it first began to be a nation in Egypt. See Jeremiah 2:2. Ezekiel 16:22. Also it is true of Christ, who when he was a childe fled thither from Herod, and came thence to Judea, where by his death he delivered his people from the bondage of sinne, figured by that Egyptian bondage: this exposition the Evangelist maketh, Matthew 2:15.

called my sonne ut of Egypt] Matth 2. 15 Exodus 4:22-23.

Hosea 11:2

they called them] Namely, my Prophets exhorted them to repentance, and to my true service, which was the chief end for which they were called out of Egypt. Exodus 4:23.

Hosea 11:3

I taught Ephraim also to go] I have been as a nurse to him. Exodus 19 4. Deut. 32. 10, 11, 12.

I healed them] That is, delivered them from all evill. Exodus 15:26. and Exodus 23:25.

Hosea 11:4

I drew them] A phrase taken from cattell, bred up to carry or draw, which by a good master are used gently, and brought to their labour without any violence.

take off] Heb. lift up.

the yoke on their jawes] By which must be understood the muzzel, for otherwise a yoke doth noth not use to be laid upon the jawes.

I laid meat unto them] Which they could not take till the muzzel was removed.

Hosea 11:5

He shall not return] Or, He should not have returned. The body of this nation shall not go for safety into Egypt, which is a friends Countrey, but they shall go into captivitie to Assyria, an enemies Countrey, and herein will I inforce them to obey my command. Deuteronomy 17:16.

but the Assyrian shall be his King] Or, or the Assyrian have been his King.

because] Or, but. See Deuteronomy 28:68.

Hosea 11:6

his branches] Or, his barres: All his forces and defences, as well those which consist in strong towns, as those which consist in the valour of men.

because of their own counsels] Chap. 10. 6. Their actions and enterprises which they have undertaken by their owne advice. Psalms 106:43. Hosea 10:6.

Hosea 11:7

my people are bent to back-sliding] They desire and expect that I should turn in favour to them, and relieve them, whereas they should turn to me by repentance, which they will not do.

they called them to the most High] To wit, the Prophets.

none at all would exalt him] Heb. together they exalted not.

Hosea 11:8

How shall I give thee up] Though thou deservest to be irrevocably destroyed, as those wicked cities were, Genesis 19:24. Deuteronomy 29:23. yet my mercy will not suffer it, and therefore I promise thee re-establishment by meanes of the Messias. Chap. 6. 4.

Admah] Genesis 19:24. Amos 4:11.

mine heart is turned within me] Isaiah 63:15. Jeremiah 31:20.

are kindled] Or, are heated. See Genesis 43:30. 1 King 3. 26. Lamentations 1:20.

Hosea 11:9

I will not execute the fiercenesse of mine anger] With extremitie of rigour, and without remission.

I will not return to destroy Ephraim] That I may save the remnant of mine elect among the people. I will not consume them wholly by redoubling of evils.

I am God] And therefore most true and immutable in all my promises. Numbers 23:19. Malachi 3:6.

the holy One] I will be within thee present by my grace and Spirit, as thy true Deity, object of all thy devotion, religion, and adoration, and the well-spring and Author of all thy holinesse; and I will not be there any more as thine enemy.

Hosea 11:10

They shall walk after the LORD] Who shall manifest himself to them in grace and salvation in Christ.

he shall roar like a lion] Joe 3:16. Amos 1:2. He shall cause the powerfull voice of the Gospell to sound all the world over; by which the consciences being moved, men will gather unto him. Hag. 2. 6. 7. Hebrews 12:26.

the children shall tremble from the West] The true elect, children of grace, shall joyn themselves in spirit to the communion of the Church, from all the ends of the world, where they have been scattered.

Hosea 11:11

as a dove] Isaiah 60. 8.

Hosea 11:12

Ephraim compasseth me] In all their actions they are disloyall unto me.

but Judah yet ruleth] Or, when Judah yet ruled.

Judah yet ruleth with God] In the tribe of Judah, which hath not forsaken Gods pure service, there doth yet remain the lawfull government of Davids progenie.

is faithfull] Or, was faithfull. He persevereth in my covenant, holding himself to the faith and religion of his ancient forefathers; or to that which is taught them by Gods holy servants, and Prophets, and Priests.

with the saints] Or, with the most holy.