Hosea 13

— the grave;] Or “hell,” as the Hebrew word also signifies. “The grave” is the common receptacle of the bodies of the dead: and by “ransomring from the power of the grave” is meant, a freeing of the bodies of those who are ransomed in due time from the grave by a joyful resurrection. Dr. Pocock. But it should be rendered “hell,” for the Hebrew word for the grave is different, and the two names are never confounded by the sacred writers. No two things indeed can be more distinct. By “hell” is meant in this passage, not the place where the damned are to suffer their torment, but the invisible place, where the departed souls of the deceased remain, till the appointed time shall come for the reunion of soul and body. This is the “hell” of the Old Testament; though, by an abuse of the word, the place of torment is the first notion it presents to the English reader. But the English word “hell” properly imports no more than the invisible or hidden place, from the Saxon word “helan,” to cover over (see the note from Parkhurst on Job xxvi. 5, 6). In the New Testament, we find the word “hell” in our English Bibles in twenty-one passages in all. In nine of these it signifies a place of torment; namely, in these: Matt. v. 22. 29. 30; x. 28; xviii. 9; xxiii. 15. 33; Mark ix. 47; Luke xii. 5. In the other twelve, simply the region of departed spirits. And in the same sense it is to be taken in the Apostles’ Creed, “He descended into hell:” of this place we know little, except that to those, who die in the Lord, it is a place of comfort and rest; not a paradise of eternal sleep and senselessness, but a place of happy rest and tranquil hope. In the prophetick imagery it is often mentioned as a dark cave deep in the bowels of the earth. Sometimes it is personified, as in this passage. Bp. Horsley.

— O death, I will be thy plagues; &c.] The Apostle’s triumphant exclamation in the passage referred to

in the margin is an indirect allusion to this text of Hosra. Bp. Horsley. — repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.] That is, God will never repent of his determination of ransoming and redeeming them; He will certainly make it good. Dr. Pocock.

Ver. 1. O Israel.] The whole family of Israel, in both its branches, is addressed. Bp. Horsley.

Hosea 13:2

2. Take with you words.] That is, a set form of supplication. That set forms were in use among the Jews in the earliest ages, upon all solemn occasions, is evident from various passages of Holy Writ. Bp. Horsley, Dr. Pocock. — so will we render the calves of our lips.] The meaning is, We will, instead of offering sacrifices, render the confession of our lips. Dr. Pocock. “Lips” are here put for praises and thanksgivings uttered by the lips. This kind of figure, which puts the cause or instrument for the effect, is very frequent with the sacred writers. Bp. Horsley.

Hosea 13:3

3. Asshur shall not save us; &c.] The first part of the people’s repentance is described as consisting in a reliance solely upon God’s protection, and not putting any trust in human strength: and then in renouncing all idolatrous worship. The Israelites had formerly made an alliance with the Assyrians; see chap. v. 13; viii. 9; xii. 1: and they are often upbraided by the Prophets for their courting foreign alliances, and particularly strengthening themselves with horses from Egypt or Assyria. See Isa. xxx. 16; xxxvi. 8; 2 Chron. xvi. 7. W. Lowth.

Hosea 13:15

15. Though he be fruitful among his brethren, &c.] But now, as the case stands with Ephraim, though he be fruitful among his brethren, yet I will fetch the Assyrian upon him, &c. Bp. Hell. The word “Ephraim” denotes fruitfulness; see Gen. xli. 52. This tribe answered his name, being the most numerous and potent of all the ten tribes. W. Lowth. The frequent and sudden transitions from threatening to promise, from indignation to pathetic persuaand their women with child shall be ripped up. Before CHRIST about 725. # CHAP. XIV.