Hosea 13

Hosea 13:1

WHen] time was that the tribe of Ephraim having the rule of the ten Tribes, was terrible through its power: but now, that it hath strayed, and is runne into Idolatry, its strength and glory is come to nothing, like unto a dead carkase.

Hosea 13:2

They say] the Kings of the Tribe of Ephraim, do command the people to follow the idolatry which they have established, 1 Kings 12:28 Kisse the] whosoever will do Gods service, let him come and worship the Calves which Jeroboam hath set up; Kissing being an act and token of worship and religious honour. See 1 Kings 19:18. Psal. 2. 12.

Hosea 13:3

They shall be] they shall not be stedfast, but shall quickly be dispersed and brought to nothing.

Hosea 13:5

Know thee] that is to say, I took care of thee and provided all things necessary for thee.

Hosea 13:6

According to their] through too much fatnesse and plenty, they are become fierce and untamed, Deut. 8. 12. & 32 15.

Hosea 13:7

A Leopard] which useth to lie in wait to set upon a man: See Jeremiah 5:6.

Hosea 13:8

As a Beare] See 2. Sam. 17. 8. Proverbs 17:12. that is to say; I am become their implacable enemy The cause] that is to say; I wound them mortally And thre] namely; upon the high way, whereby are meant, the instants, and times appointed for Gods judgements: See the like use of this word: Psal. 53 5. Ecclesiastes 3:17.

Hosea 13:9

Thou hast] Many have wrought together to overthrow thee; but I alone can save thee, and not thy Kings in whom thou hast trusted.

Hosea 13:10

Of whom thou] Some referre this to the first asking of a King: 1 Samuel 8:5. Others, to the umultuay election of Jeroboam: 1 Kings 12 16. 20.

Hosea 13:11

I gave thee] I have suffered thee to thy hurt and dammage, to have a King according to thine owne will, though I did not approve of it: Hosea 8:4. and I have aggravated my judgments the more upon thee; by reason of the frequent violent deaths of thy Kings, which doe bring the Kingdome into extreame ruine.

Hosea 13:12

Is bound up] nothing shall escape me, I will make them beare the punishment for all. See Deuteronomy 32:34. Job 14:17.

Hosea 13:13

An unwise Son] If this people were not foolish, they would imitate little Infants: which comming into the World, doe help themselves, and strive to free themselves out of the straights and dangers of the birth: so should they likewise have endeavoured to free themselves out of their mortall dangers and travailes, by true repentance.

Hosea 13:14

I will] if they would but repent indeed Repentance] my goodnesse towards them should never alter.

Hosea 13:15

Be fruitfull] namely; Ephraim. He hath a relation to the signification of the name of Ephraim; and to the blessing which Jacob gave him, Gen. 41. 52. and 48. 19 His brethren]namely, the other Tribes East winde] an impetuous and inavoydable desolation by the Assyrians; who assaulted the Land of Israel towards the Wildernesse. See Ezekiel 19:12 His Spring] figurative termes: whereof the meaning is; that every one of Gods blessings, which are the well-springs of all good things, shall be taken away from them; and consequently, all manner of happinesse shall faile them He shall] namely, the Enemy signified by the East-winde.