Hosea 13

Ephraim's authority and excellency dieth and vanisheth through idolatry, vers.1. &c. a representation of Gods terrible anger, provoked by Ephraim's base unthankfulness against their onely and gracious Saviour, from verse. 1. 104 the cause of Israels corruption and the approaching miseries, is idolatry, avin confidence, and stupid impenitentie, 9. gracious Gospel promises for Ephraim, after the forgoing destruction, 14

1. When Ephraim spake, men trembled; [Oth when Ephraim spake trembling, or with trembling Heb. when Ephraim spake, trembling; (sustantive) the meaning is. The tribe of Ephraim was in for mer times, answerable to the blessing of the Patriarch Jacob, Genesis 48:19.20. ) Of thhe authority and power in Israel, that very one trembled as it were, when he appeared resolved in business, whereby also in the time of King Rehabeam it came to pass that he first assumed the kingdom of the tribes unto himself by means of the first King Jerobeam, see jud 8.1,2,. etc. and 12.1,2. 1 King 11.26. and chap 12.20.] be exalted himself: [to wit to the kingdom. Of the Hebr,. word that signifying a Prince, ruler, Governour, that is exalted above another, which is here aimed at] but he is become guilty and Raal, [Baals idolatry see ab. chapter 2.8. 13.] and is dead. [that is he hath now lost all authority, and is decayed to very miserable and contemptible estate, both with God and men at home abroad. (Compare the phrase with Psal 31. 13 and 88. 4,5,6. and 143 .3. Isaiah 59:10. Amos 2:1. Revelation 3:1. and 20. 5.) the royal dignite it self is taken away from him see 1 King. 14. 10,11. and chap 15. 27, 28, 29, 30. and compare verse.3.]

2. And now they went on to sin , and made a molten imgge of their silver, [understand the idolatrous image of claf (whereof see in the sequel ) and others such like evn as they pleased and fancied, and not at all, as God would have it. Of the word sins in matters of Idolatry , see above chap 8. on verse11] idols, [see above chap 8.4.] according to their understanding [i.e. shaping and dressing them with all the art and skill they could . Compare Jeremiah 10:3, 14. etc.] which are all together Smith work: [a mocking at the vanity, folly and frivolousness of this idolatry. Compare above chap 8.6, etc.] whereof they say nevertheless ; [they viz, the idolatrous Priest and Governors. Oth they say to them, viz. those of Ephraim unto the other Israelites] the men that offer [Heb, the offering of man, or, men] ought to knife [viz. religiously, with divine worship. Compare Genesis 41:40 1 Kings 19:18. Job 31:17. and see the annotat there] the calves. I first set up at Dan and Bethel , and afterwards, probably, in divers other places besides . See 1 King.12.28. according as from time to time they encreased in idolatry; the meaning they drive at is, such men or such among men, as mean or intent to offer unto God, they must worship these calves, as their God. See 1 Kings 13:28. and compare the phrase with Isaiah 29:19. where it is said, the needy , or , destitute (ones) of a man (or, men) i.e. among men such among men needy or necessious; again, the miserable of the sheep, Zach. 11. 7, 11. for the miserable among them, and many such like]

3. Therefore they shall be as an early coming dew, that passeth away [i.e. they shall soon and easily pass way come to nought with all their shew and flourishings, as these comparisons import. Compare above chap 6.4.] as chaff from the threshing floor, and smoke is stormed away out of the chimney, [or, window Oth smoke – hole, or opening whereby the smoke is let forth.]

4. Yet i am the LORD thy God: from out of Egypt [As above chapter 12.10.] therefore should thou know Ggod but me alone; [Oth and thou knowest no God etc. viz. at that time , when thou wast not fallen away yet to idolatry] for there is no Saviour besides me.

5. I have known thee in the wilderness; [i.e. i loved and provided for thee, there, as Amos 3:2. see Psal 1. on verse. 6.] in very hot country .[and consequently, a dry and barren one, extreamly troublesome. See Deuteronomy 8:15. and ch. 32.10.]

6. After that, according as their pasture was, [i.e. after that they came forth out of the wilderness into the fat foil of Gilead, and further into the land of Canaan, meeting with influence and abundance of all things. See Deuteronomy 7:8,9,10. and chapter 32.13,14] they grew full; being full, their hhears exalted it self : [whereof God had timely forewarned, and forthwith punishment them. See Deuteronomy 8:11. and chap 32.15,19. 20. etc.] therefore they forgot me [Hosea 8:14.]

7. For this i became unto them as fierce Lion; [i.e. idealt severely and terribly with them, as happened frequently as first, in the time of Judges, by sundry enemies seated about thhem, and afterwards, whhen they were divided seated about them, and afterwards, when they were divided from Juda by the Assyrian Tiglath – Pileser etc. See 2Kings 15 29. Howbeit some take both this and the following verse for the time to come, as prophesie of that desolation, which should be made by Salmanasser. Compare above chapter 5.14 Lamentations 3:10.] i lurked for them by the way, as a Leopard. [Compare Jeremiah 5:6.]

8. I encountered them, [or, will encounter them, and so in the sequel] as a Bear berest of hher whelps. [Compare 2 Sam 17.8. Proverbs 17:12.] and tore the lack of their hearts; [i.e. their heart, or hearts cover, to suck the drink their hearts – blood, as savage revenous beasts use to do] and i swallowed them there [upon the place, as they say, or there where thhey had committed the foresaid abominations, in Canaan or Gilead. Some apply it in particular to Tiglath – Pilerser his invitation 2 Kings 15:29.] as an old Lion, the wilde beasts of the filed did tear them [Oth (or as) an (other) wilde beast of the field (that) split (or clave them asunder : understand the cruel heartenish Enemies, by whom God had, or yet would deal thus wit them.]

9. I t hath corrupted thee, O Israel, [it , to wit, thy idolatry and wilful wickedness, spoken of above verse 2. 6. Oth. he hath corrupted thee, viz. Ephraim (spoken of both before and after this passage ) he it is, that brought Israel, (i.e the Ten Tribes ) into this destructive condition, by means of his king Jerobeam,(hinted in the next verse, to which also some apply this, Compared bel. chapter 14.5,6. where him expressed, verse 5. and who that should be, is shewed verse6. viz. Israel. Compare also ab. chhap. 12.5,6. and elsewhere) who together with is princes during the 22 years of his reign (1Kings 14.20.) contrived and advance this abominable idolatry, by all the all the subtilties and violence they could invent, whereby Ephraim not onely died himself, (as above verse 1) but also by his Baals and calves – worship, and all manner of thence – ensuring enormities and abominations precipitated all Israel beside, together with himself, into death and prediction. See 1 Kings 14:15, 22 etc. which could not happen otherwise, for no salvation or help is to be sout or found any where but with the only true God, as followeth here, and is testified above verse. 4. whom they foresaking, and seeking for help and salvation elsewhere, they must needs be wholly corrupted and utterly perish together] for in me is thy help [and not your Baals, golden Calves, Kings, Princes, Champions, strong holds, fenced cities, Leages and Alliances , wealth and riches, etc. wherein ye, according to Ephraim example and advice, did put your hope and confidence : otherwise this verse may be read thus. It is thy perdition, or, undoing, or it hath corrupted (spoiled) thee, O Israel, that thou hast (rebelled) against me, whichh translation,( being somewhat discrepant, in a ggood sense) is like plain and blameless the last words in the Hebrew properly are thus, in me, in thy help. Of such a use of the Hebrew letter Beth see Psal 54. on verse 6. or thus, but in me is (that) which may (be) for (tend to) your help.]

10. Where [see of the Heb. particle on verse 14.] is thy King [viz. on whom thow didst so much relie, and firmly hope, the would have saved and defended the well enough: thus the LORD doth mock their vain confidence speaking of the time to come as ready past or present. Compare above chap 10 verse 3.] now? [thus the Hebrew particle Epho is likewise used for now or then, to compleat a sense: Job 9:24. and chap 17.5. and chap 19.6. Isaiah 19:12, and 22 Oth i shall (or, should be) thy King, where is there (another) that he &c. or that should save thee. Or, i shall be there (but) where is thy King etc. as if God should say, i am abide the same forever, (see Exod.3. verse 14) therefore ye ought to have sought your help and salvation in me; but ye trusted in your king, who appears no where now. Compare above chap 10.15] to save you in all your Cities; and Judges.[The Council and Governors, that should have assisted the King, to protect you] of whom ye said; give me a King and Princes: [viz. in the time of the Prophet Samuel. See 1 Sam 8.5. unless it were, that those of Ephraim may have used such language, suitable to their haughtiness and insolence, in the time of Rehabeam, when they separated themselves from Juda, and made them King of their own, over the ten Tribes, which God by secret counsel so ordered and declared, as done by himself (1King 11. 31, 35) although the people guilt was nothing the less]

11. I gave a King in mine anger [Meaning Saul: some apply it to the first King of the ten Tribes, being of the tribe of Ephraim, and having corrupted Israel, as above verse. 9. see further 1 Sam 8.7. and 1 King 11.33 above here 8. vers. 4] and took (him) away in mine indignation[viz. Saul. see 1 Sam 15.23. and ch 16. 1 chap 31.4,6. Some tender this here, i will take (him) away: applying it to the last King of the ten tribes Hosea, subdued by Salmanasser, and in whom the Kingdom of Israel ended, 2 King 15. Compare above cha. 10. ver.3,7 15. Others understand it is general of the Kings of the ten Tribes, withh whom God is dealing here (compare above chap 8.4. and 7. 16.) and read it thus i gave a King, etc and take (him) &c.]

12. Ephraim iniquitie [Whereof above on verse. 9, &c.] is bound up together, his sin is laid up. [i.e. their provocations, all of them are wrapt and tied up together in a bundle or bag, close and sealed, and laid up as it were in Gods chamber of Rolls or Chancery, to be produced in due time, for to be fully discovered, judged and sentenced. Compare Job 14:17. Lamentations 1:14. Deuteronomy 32:34 and see the annotat there.]

13. Pangs of traveling (women) shall come upon him [i.e. very great and grevous trouble and distress, as elsewhere frequently] he is an unwise child [i.e. as most senseless, or forward, or mis- shapen child, that labours nothing to facilitate his own birth, and stands, (as we use to say) in his own way and light] for (else) he would not be tarying any time in the birth of children. [Or, thus: for he stands not timely, (or, in due time) in the bringing forth of Children, i.e. in the womb, or birth labour. Compare 2 King 19.3. and see the annotat there. Some understand it of the chair , wherein the traveling woman sitteth. The sense is that Ephraim, in stead of timely preventing his approaching calamity, by serious and active repentance, he continueth obstinately to perish in his wickedness and impenitency against all exhortations warning & threatenings whatsoever; even as a child in the birth, that by its un – or ill – disposedness destroying it self and mother at once, when as other, even the most senseless smallest creatures known by a natural instinct, how to dispose themselves for to avoid the danger in this behalf.]

14. (Yet) [Here the LORD inserts again an excellent Evangelical promise, for the comfort of his Elect and penitent children. Compare above chap 12 v 10., 11. with the annotat as if the LORD should say; the unfaithfulness and protracted repentance of the generality of this people, sjall not whit retard or disannual my faithfulness and truth of my gracoius promise , see Romans 3:3. and 11. 1, &c.] i will deliver them from the power of hell, i will free them from death: [Heb from the hand of hell etc i.e. the graves,See Job 5. on verse. 20. Psal 49. on vers. 16. the meaning is, i will deliver my chosen Israel, through the Messiah, Jesus Christ, from all their spiritual enemies, and cause them to rise from death, (which had power over them through sin) unto the glory of eternal life. See 1 Cor 15. 54, 55] O death, where are thy pestilences? [i.e. where is all thy poison, or, venemous power, or thy strong prestilence, whereby thou didst bear so much sway and madest such havock among my people; the plural number, serving here as elsewhere, for the exaggeration or aggravation of the thing spoken of . The sense is, as if God should inser, these, these plaues are no where more to be found; they are altogether made void , and destroyed. With this allocation God desies & insults over death and grave in triumph as it were over their conquest.(Comp Isaiah 25:8) te Hebrew particle is here twice (as also above vers. 10) rendred, where, out of 1 Cor. 15. 55 where the Apostle doth alledge and expound it thus; also the Greek Translator (and the Chaldee paraphrase as like, ver.10.) had done, and some of the Hebrews themselves approve of, otherwise we may also read thus, Death i will be thy prestilence, grave i will be thy destruction}] Hell where is thy destruction ? [or, consumption, rooting out, cutting off, the like Hebrew word we have Deuteronomy 32:24. Psa 91..6. Isa28.2.] Repentance shall be bid from mine eyes (i.e. it shall never repent me to have past those gracious Decrees, i will perform the same without fail. That which is hid before Gods eyes is not at all, and therefore there shall be no repentance at all God of is promise.]

15. For he shall bring forth fruit among the brethren [i.e. Ephraim, how small apearance or likelihood soever there be now of it, shall yet, being planted in my Church, bring forth, as a good tree, very good fruit s, i.e. having ggotten faith and repentance, he shall be practisingg of good works, See Mat 3. vers. 8,&c. This promise by the word Japhi i.e. shall bear fruit, or be fruitful , doth very sweetly allude to the name of Ephraim . Compare below cha.14. 7,8,9. Oth for he (the Messiah, Ephraims Redeemer or deliverer spoken of before) he shall make him (Ephraim) fruitful: understanding moreover all the rest of this chapter, of the power and might of Christ against His, and his Churches foresaid enemies] (but) there shall come an eastwind , [Here the Prophet returns to his reproof – sermon. Compare above chap 4. on vers. 19. and 12. 12. and 12 on v 2, and Ezekiel 19:12] and a wind of the LORD, coming up out of the wilderness; [and consequently very powerful, uncontrouled, unavoidable, passing through all. Such a one as God himself would raise, through his righteous Judgment, for the punishment of Ephraim, until Christ should gather the again] and his spring vain shall dry up, and his fountain shall grow drie [viz, Ephraims and the rest of the Tribes that did follow is evil example. i.e. they shall bereaved of all the power and wealth, which through Gods blessing they enjoy, as is made plain by the sequel] the same [viz winde, that it is to say, the enemie, the Assyrian, that was just now, compared to the Eastwind] shall spoil the treasure of all desirable [as Nahum 2:9.] household staff. [see of the Hebrew word Lev 15. on vers and Ezech 16. on verse. 17.]