Hosea 10

Chap. X. Ver. 1—15. Israel compared to an exhausted and ruined vine.—In this chapter the subject is pursued allegorically. Israel is compared to a vine which had been flourishing and fruitful, but was now weakened and corrupted by prosperity, luxury, and idolatry: so that though its branches were still widely extended, and its leaves luxuriant, yet, alas! it cast its fruit, and produced no wine to “cheer the heart of God.” ((Judges 9:13).) Their hearts became divided between the true God and idols, and it was soon apparent from the multitude of their altars, to which they were most inclined. Their idolatry is then enlarged on, and its fatal consequences declared in very feeling terms. God is now introduced complaining of their extreme guilt, and threatening them with captivity in terms that bear a manifest allusion to their favourite idolatry, the worshipping of the golden calf, or heifer.

Upon which the Prophet, in a beautiful allegory, suggested by the preceding metaphors, exhorts them to repentance, and warns them of the dreadful consequences of persevering in their past course.

Notes on the verses

Chap. X. Ver. 1, According to the multitude of his fruit, &c.—That is, as their prosperity increased, so did their idolatry. Ver. 2. Faulty—That is, “guilty.” Ver. 3. We have no king.—This oracle was probably delivered during the nine years anarchy which preceded the reign of king Hoshea (B. C. about 730.) —Do to us.—Rather, “for us;” Secker and Horsley. Ver. 4. Thus judgment—That is, God’s punishments of their iniquities springing up rapidly on every side. Ver. 5. The calves.—Newcome, &c. ‘‘Calf,” on the authority of the ancient versions; possibly the form was duplex, but the following sentence confirms the versions. —Mourn over it (or him.)—For Beth-aven, formerly Beth-el, “the house of God,”

(Hosea 12:4). was now Beth-aven, “the house of sin,” because of its idolatries —The priests.—Heb. “Chemarim, the sacrificers.” Bo Newcome, &c. Ver. 6. King Jareb.—See note on (Hosea 5:13). Ver. 7. Upon the water.—See margin. Newcome explains this kings of Samaria have rapidly passed away by assassination, and shall soon be cut off by the king of Assyria.” Ver. 8, Aven.—The same as Beth-aven, ver. 5 Ver. 9. From.—Newcome, “More than.”——In the days of Gibeah.—See (Hosea 9:9). Newcome, “Did not the war overtake them in Gibeah?” Ver. 10. That I should.—Horsley, “And I will.”——When they shall bind, &c.—See margin. Iniquities; i.e. “the calves in Dan and Bethel.” Newcome. Ver. 11. Loveth to tread out the corn.—“Because they were unmuzzled,”

(Deuteronomy 25:4). Secker.—I passed over her fair neck.—Newcome, Boothroyd, &c. supply the word “yoke;” “I passed the yoke over,” &c.—I will make Ephraim to ride.—Might we not, without violence, read, “I will ride (or cause to be ridden) Ephraim?” The place is very difficult; but the sense appears to us to be, that all should be subjected to severe labour, like cattle brought under the yoke: some should be used for riding, (for horned cattle are rode in the East,) and others for ploughing. Ver. 14. As Shalman—That is, Shalmanezer. See (2 Kings 18:33), &c. ——Beth-arbel.—[Some think this to be Arbela, a city of Assyria, near the Lyeus, which Shalmaneser, here called Skalman, is supposed to have destroyed.

Others suppose it to be Arbela, a town of Galilee, not far from Sipporis, (Josephus, Ant.) and perhaps the same which Eusebius places in the great plain 9 miles (perhaps east) from Legio.]—Bagster. Ver. 15. So shall Beth-el do, &c.—That is, as the fate of other nations brought on them destruction, so shall the idolatry of Beth-el be your ruin.