Hosea 10

1. Israel is an empty vine. Or, “Israel is a luxuriant vine; he maketh his fruit equal to himself”; i.e., putteth forth fruit according to his luxuriance: cp. R.V. The “luxuriance” is outward prosperity; the “fruit” is the sin (in this case, idolatry) to which men are so prone to pervert the gifts of Providence.

2. Now shall they be found faulty. Rather, “now shall they be punished.”

3 to us. Rather, “for us” (R.V.). They shall be made to acknowledge that their king cannot save them without Jehovah’s help: cp. 1 Sam. viii., and notes.

4. Thus judgement springeth up as hemlock. See note on Deut. xxix. 18. Punishment shall spring up as quickly and luxuriantly as weeds do in the field.

5 the priests thereof [that] rejoiced. This should be, “And the priests shall grieve because of its departed glory.” Respecting the word here rendered “priests,” see note on 2 Kings xxiii. 5.

6 king Jareb. The king of Assyria: see on ch. v. 13.

7 as the foam. Perhaps “as a chip”; i.e., on the water.

8. Aven. Probably used for Beth-aven: cp. iv. 15.

they shall say to the mountains, Cover us. Cp. Isa. ii. 19; Rev. vi.

9 there they stood. Or, “there they have stood,” or remained.

10 when they shall bind themselves in their two furrows. Or, “When I shall bind them for their two transgressions”; probably the two calves.

11. I will make Ephraim to ride. That is, I will take her away (see Job xxx. 22) from the easy work of treading corn; and, having put a yoke upon her neck, I will set her to plough and harrow. The comfort and liberty which Israel has abused shall be exchanged for servitude and suffering.

14. Shalman spoiled Beth-arbel. “Shalman” seems to be an abbreviated form of Shalmanuser. “Beth-arbel” was probably a fortress which he took in his first campaign. It is identified by many with Arbela in Galilee (now Irbid) and by others with Irbid, in the north of Gilead.

15. So shall Beth-el do unto you. Your idolatrous worship at Bethel is the first cause of your sufferings.

In a morning. That is, “suddenly.” R.V. has, “at daybreak.”