Hosea 1

Hosea 1:1

IEroboam] as Amos 1:1. there were indeed other Kings of the ten Tribes untill the time of Ezekiah. But it may be, that Hosea prophesied under Jeroboam amongst the ten Tribes: and that after his reigne he came into Judah. Or that the other Kings are left out, because that under them the state was turned upside downe, by revolts and continuall troubles.

Hosea 1:2

By Hosea] or in Hosea: to signifie the inward propheticall revelation, Numbers 12:6. 2 Samuel 23:2 Goe take unto thee] it is likely, that all this was commanded, and seemed to the Prophet to be performed in vision: that it being related to the people, they might perceave in the looking-glasse of this Allegory, their duty towards God, and their rebellion and disloyalty; and the punishment which God would inflict upon them for it. See Hosea 3:1 A wife of whoredomes] not that she was a whore already; but that being first a married wife, she afterwards went a stray. The application of the figure to the subject, requireth that it should be so understood: whereby it appears that all this was done in vision Children of whoredomes] which are really borne of an unlawfull copulation, though they beare thy name For the land] I will have thee in this manner represent unto the people, their idolatries and spirituall strayings, and reprove them for it. See Psal. 73. 27. Ezekiel 23:35.

Hosea 1:3

Gomer] some hold it to be the name of some famous strumpet which lived in those dayes. Others; that it is a fained name: to signifie the qualities of Gods people, as well in grace (for it may signifie perfection) as in judgement; for it may be taken for the end or finall extermination Diblaim] the reason of this name, which seemes also to be figurative; is very obscure. Some have held it to be the name of some wildernesse, Ezekiel 6:14. to shew the Churches wretched beginning in its own nature. As Son 3:6. Ezekiel 16:7.

Hosea 1:4

Izreel] it seemes that by those three Children, was figured the ruine of the kingdome of the ten Tribes, which was effected at three severall times. The first was, when the progeny of Jehu was extinguished, 2 Kings 15:12. The other two was when the King of Assyria did invade them, 2 Kings 15. 29. & 17. 3, 6 The blood] namely, the executions done by Jehu in Izreel, 2 Kings 9. 24, 31. & 10. 11, 17. which were commanded by God for the re-establishment of his service; which Jehu not performing, they are imputed unto him for so many murthers. See 1 Kings 16:7 Will cause to cease] for by the rooting out of the line of the line of Jehu, the kingdome of Israel receaved such a wound, that it could never rise againe.

Hosea 1:5

Breake] I will beat down the power of Israel. I will take away from them all means of defending themselves, and of subsisting against their enemies, by the losse of some battell, or by some other accident not mentioned in Scripture In the valley] of which, See Joshua 17:16. Judges 6:33.

Hosea 1:6

Lo-ruhamath] that is to say; one of whom no mercy is had, Romans 9:25 But I will] because I have pardoned them enough already.

Hosea 1:7

Of Judah] in which the covenant remained, and the service and Church of God By the Lord] by my selfe miraculously, or by vertue of the everlasting Son of God perpetuall Head, and Saviour of his Church.

Hosea 1:9

Lo ammi] that is to say, one that is not my people, Romans 9:25 Your] namely, your God according to the enterchangeable condition of the covenant.

Hosea 1:10

The number] this may be understood of the increase of this people in all their dispersions, untill the time of their conversion In the place] the Italian, Instead] that is to say; by the Gospell which they shall at last receive, they will obtaine a more firme covenant and conjunction with God; being made, not onely his people and subjects; but his children by adoption of grace, and regeneration of Spirit, and holy spirituall liberty.

Hosea 1:11

The children] that is to say, at the last all Israel shall acknowledge, and accept of Christ for their head, and shall be altogether re-united to his Church, Romans 11:12; Romans 11:15; Romans 11:25. 2 Corinthians 3:16. See Isay 11. 13. Jeremiah 3:18. Ezekiel 37:16; Ezekiel 37:22 Come up] they shall separate themselves from the world, to joyne themselves to the Church, and so goe on the way to the Kingdome of heaven The day] That time shall be admirable, by reason of the gathering together of the Israelites; which before seemed rather to be an Izreel (that is to say, a people dispersed by God) then an Israel.