Westminster Annotations, Hosea

Westminster Annotations · Hosea

ANNOTATIONS ON THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET HOSEA.

THE ARGUMENT.

IMmediately after King Solomons death the Iewish nation was divided into two Kingdomes, under Rehoboam and Ieroboam; Rehoboam, Solomons sonne, reigned over two Tribes, he and his successors to Iehoiachin or Ieconias, in whom Solomons race ended, Ierem. 22. 9, 30. whereupon the right of the Crown turned to another sonne of David, to wit, Nathan, who was father after the flesh, to the Messiah Iesus Christ, the …ternall Sonne of God, and was named Nathan by his father David, because by Nathan the Prophet Christ the Lion of the Tribe of Iudah, Apoc. 5. 5. was promised to be of Davids loyns, and was to have the Keyes of Davids Kingdom, Apoc. 3. 7. That Kingdom was called …udah. The other over whom Ieroboam first reigned, was called Israel. What caused that miserable division, appeareth, 1 Kings 12. Rehoboam went to Shechem to hold a generall assembly of the Kingdome; which place was fit for that purpose, being in the midst of the Countrey, and in the Tribe of Ephraim then most powerfull; where the Israelites met together to Crown Rehoboam, and by Ieroboam made request to him, who was to be their new King, for relaxation of some pressures then …ing on them: Rehoboam (not following the counsell of the old Senatours that stood before Solomon his father, who perswaded him to speak good words to the people) by the advice of the young men answered roughly, whereupon ten Tribes revolt: And thus for Solomons idolatry, and Rehoboams tyranny, Ieroboam of Ephraim is confirmed King over Israel. As Israel fell from Iudah, so did they fall from the pure service of God, worshipping him after their own fantasies and traditions of men, giving themselves to vile idolatry and superstition; for Ieroboam set up two Calves, ordained Altars, Feasts, and Sacrifices of his own invention. Yet the Lord from time to time sent them Prophets to call them to repentance, to keep his elect in the profession of Gods Covenant, and the enioyment of his grace, to reprove and condemne the wicked by denuntiation of Gods iudgements, to supply the defect of the ordinary Ministerie of Priests and Levites, that by the true preaching of the Word some forme of a Church, and Gods right might be preserved in that Nation, which through his patience did yet bear his name and badge. Among others, Hosea the Prophet was raised up▪ when their prosperitie was at the highest under Ieroboam the sonne of Ioash, and sent to Israel to condemne them for their ingratitude to God. This Prophet calleth them Bastards, and Children born in adultery; and sheweth them▪ that God would take away their Kingdome, and give them for Captives to the Assyrians. Hosea faithfully executed the office of a Prophet, (as may be collected by the Scriptures) about the space of seventy years: his Book is a Propheticall kinde of teaching, and may be referred to two chief heads or principall parts of the law, which are the promise of salvation, and the doctrine how to live. For the first, he directeth the faithfull to the Messiah, by whom they should have true deliverance: and for the second, he useth threatnings and menaces (without sparing Iudah it self) to bring them from their wicked manners and vices; and this is the chief scope of all the Prophets; either by Gods promises to allure them to be godly, or else by threatning of his iudgements to fear them from vice. These two heads are diversly handled, and often intermingled; in the three first Chapters briefly and obscurely, under two figures or visions; in the rest of the Book in clear termes, and larger discourses. More particularly: Hosea handleth the depravation of the Israelites, and his speech is either invective, or consolatory. Invective, partly in types, partly in words. In types, whereof the first is of an Harlot, propounded Chap. 1 applied Chap. 2. The second, of a woman redeemed, Chap. 3. In words, more plainly, and at large; where first, Israels and Iudahs fault, Chap. 4. in two Sermons. Secondly, the punishment, both first, in Chapters 5, 6, 7. and second, Chapters 8, 9, 10. The consolatory part is in two Sermons: The first describes the iniquitie of the people, Chap. 11. the second setteth down Gods benefits, in Chapters 12, 13, 14.

CHAP. I.

Vers. 1. IN the dayes of Ʋzziah] Called also Azariah, 2 King. 14. 21. and 15. 1. who when he was a Leper his sonne supplied his place in government, 2 King. 15. 5. 2 Chron. 26. 21.

kings of Judah] So that it may be gathered by the reign of these four Kings, that he preached long; some say fourty three; others, fifty seven; others, sixty years.

in the dayes of Jeroboam] As Amos 1. 1. There were other Kings of the ten Tribes, untill the time of Hezekian, but it may be that Hosea prophesied under Jeroboam among the ten Tribes; and that after him he came into Judah. Or, the other Kings are left out▪ because that under them the State was turned upside down by revolts, and other troubles.

V. 2. The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea] Heb. The beginning of JEHOƲAHS speech in Hosea▪ 2 Cor. 13. 3. Heb. 1. 1. To signifie the inward propheticall revelation, Numb. 12. 6. 2 Sam. 23. 2. Or, if we read with, or by Hosea, it signifieth, God used his ministery and preaching, to declare revelations, and prophesies. Under an Hosea did Israel enter into the land of Canaan, Numb. 13. 16. and under an Hosea were they captived out, 2 Kings 17. and fittest was an Hosea to taxe their unthankfulnesse for the one, and to tell the fearfulnesse of the other.

Go, take unto thee a wise] It is likely that all this was commanded, and seemed to the Prophet to be performed in vision; which being related to the people, they might in the lookingglasse of this allegorie, perceive their dutie toward God, and their rebellion and disloyaltie, and the punishment which God would inflict upon them for it. See Chap. 3. 7.

of whoredomes] Not that she was a whore at the first, but that being a married wise she afterwards went astray: The application of the figure to the subject requireth, that it be understood in this kinde; whereby it appears all this was done in vision. Others take it for a reall act.

and children of whoredomes] Which are really born by unlawfull copulation, though they bear thy name. Others say, these words plainly manifest all this was but in vision; for the same children cannot by the Prophet be taken with the mother, and be begotten of her, as it is afterwards said.

for the land hath committed great whoredome] I will have thee in this manner represent unto the people their idolatries, and spirituall strayings, and to reprove them for it. See Psal. 73. 27. Ezek. 23. 3, 5.

V. 3. Gomer] Some thinke it was the name of a famous strumpet, which lived in those dayes; Others, that it is a faigned name, to set out the qualities of this people, as well in grace (for it may signifie perfection) as in judgement, for it may be taken for the end or finall extirpation.

Diblaim] The reason of this name, which seemes also figurative, is very obscure. Some have held it the name of a wildernesse, Ezek. 6. 14. to shew the Churches wretched beginning, in it own nature, as Cant. 3. 6. Ezek. 16. 7. Others say, it signifies clusters of figs, declaring that they were all corrupt, and like rotten figs. Jer. 24. 3.

hare him a sonne] It seemes that by those three children, born to the Prophet, was figured the ruines of the ten tribes, which were effected at three severall times. First, in the extirpation of Jehu his house by Shallum, 2 Kings 15. 10, 12. The other two were by the invasions of the Kings of Assyria, Tiglath-pilneser, 2 Kings 15. 19. 1 Chron. 5. 26. and Shalmaneser, 2 King. 17. 3, 6.

V. 4. Call his name Jezreel] Meaning, that they were no more worthy to be called Israelites, of which name they boasted, because Israel did prevaile with God; but that they were as bastards, and deserved to be called Jezreelities, that is, seattered people; alluding to Jezreel, which was the chief Citie of the ten tribes under Ahab, where Jehu shed so much bloud, 2 King. 9. 24, 31. and 10. 8, 11, 17.

avenge] Heb. visit.

the bloud of Jezreel] Namely, the executions done by Jehu in Jezreel, 2 Kings. 9. 24, 33. and 10. 11, 17.

upon the house of Jehu] God stirred up Jehu to execute his judgements upon Ahabs house, which thing he did, and for that was rewarded; 2 Kings 10. 30. and to re-establish Gods service, which he did not, 2 Kings 10. 31. wherefore those former executions are imputed unto him for so many murthers; See 1 Kings 16. 7. because he did not the former commands with an upright heart.

will cause to cease, &c.] For by the rooting out of the line of Jehu, the Kingdom of Israel received such a blow, that it could never rise again. Of the utter cessation of the Kingdome, see vers. 9.

V. 5. at that day] I will beat down the power of Israel, taking from them all means of defending themselves. And God brake the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel, when Jehues wicked house smarteth for Achabs, as Achabs did for Naboths.

in the valley of Jezreel] See Josh. 17. 16. Judg. 6. 33.

V. 6. Lo-ruhamah] That is, not having obtained mercy. That is, not obtaining mercy: whereby he signifieth that Gods favour was departed from them.

for I will no more] Heb. I will not adde any more to. Because I have pardoned them enough already: therefore I will suffer them to be spoiled by Tiglath-Pilneser, who captiveth Galile to be unpitied. See it performed, 1 Chron. 5. 26.

but I will utterly take them away] Or, that I should altogether pardon them.

V. 7. house of Judah] In which the covenant, service, and Church of God remained.

save them by the LORD their God] By my self miraculously: Or by vertue of the everlasting Sonne of God, perpetuall head, and Saviour of his Church, Isa. 7. 14.

and will not save them] Zach. 4. 6.

V. 9. Lo-ammi] That is, not my people, Rom. 9. 25. For ye do not worship me as my people should.

I will not be your God] Because you have changed the interchangeable condition of the covenant; I will not do you good as your God, but will suffer Shalmaneser King of Assyria to carry you all captive, that Israel may be no people. See it fulfilled, 2 King. 17.

V. 10. the number of the children] Because they thought that God could not have been true of his promise except he had preserved them, as Matt. 3. 9. he declareth that though they were destroyed, yet the true Israelites, which are the sonnes of the promise, should be without number; which stand both of the Jews and Gentiles, Rom. 9. 26. Others thinke it may be understood of the multiplication of this people, in all their dispersions, untill the time of their conversion.

and it shall come to passe] Rom. 9. 25, 26. 1 Pet. 2. 10.

in the place where it was said] Or, in stead of that. By the Gospel which they shall at last receive, they will obtaine a more firm covenant and conjunction with God, being made not onelyonly his people and subjects, but his children by grace of adoption, and regeneration of spirit, and holy spirituall liberty: when Christ beginneth to preach where captivitie began, Isa. 9. 1, &c.

V. 11. the children of Judah] To wit, after the captivitie of Babylon when the Jews were restored: but chiefly this is referred to the time of the Messiah, who should be acknowledged and accepted for the head of his Church, by Judah and Israel joyned, and Gentiles united to the Church, Rom. 11. 12. 15. 25. 2 Cor. 3. 16. See Isa. 11. 13. Jer. 3. 18. Ezek. 37. 16. 22.

shall come up out of the land] Upon Cyrus his grant, the Jews shall appoint them Zorobabel, and returne from Chaldea into Judea, and many Israelites in banishment shall separate themselves from the world, and go up (in expectation of the heavenly kingdome) to build Jerusalem: and so go on in the way to the kingdome of heaven.

day of Jezreel] The calamitie and destruction of Jezreel shal be so great, that to restore them shall be as a miracle. Others, that time will be admirable, by reason of the gathering together of the Israelites, which before seemed rather to be Jezreel (that is, a people dispersed by God) then an Israel.

CHAP. II.

Vers. 1. SAy ye unto your brethren] Thou Hosea, and all other beleevers among this people, do not yet hold them as altogether rejected, to leave them to their own lusts, but call them to repentance, setting before them what is the dutie of Gods people, signified by Ammi, that is, my people; towards those to whom God hath not shut up the bowels of his mercy: which is signified by Ruhamah.

Ammi] That is, my people.

Ruhamah] That is, having obtained mercy.

V, 2. plead] Reprove the body of your Nation openly, 1 Tim. 5. 20.

for she is not my wife] She doth not keep her faith which she hath promised me: and I have already good cause to put her away, which I forbeare to do through my great patience. Others say, God sheweth that the fault was not in him, but in their Synagogue, and their idolatries, that he forsook them, Jer. 50. 1.

therefore put away her whoredomes] Ezek. 16. 25. Let he… dispose her selfe to true chastitie, and spirituall puritie, using no more lascivious baites, and practises, to draw profane nations on to trade with them in idolatrie. See Jer. 2. 33. and 4. 30.

V. 3. Lest I strip her naked] Lest I take away from her all my graces, bodily and spirituall, and bring her to extreame miserie. See Ezek. 16. 39. & 23. 26. 29. For though this people were as an harlot for their idolatries, yet he had left them with their apparel and dowrie, and some signes of his favour; but if they went on still, he would utterly destroy them.

day that she was born] Ezek. 16. 4. When I brought her out of Egypt.

slay her with thirst] With the scorching heat of my wrath, not tempered with any grace or comfort, Jer. 2. 15. Ezek. 22. 24. Amos 8. 11. 13.

V. 4. upon her children] Upon the particular members of this people.

whoredomes] That is, bastards having no part in the regeneration of the heavenly Father to holinesse of life, being altogether corrupted like their mother. See Joh. 8. 44.

V. 5. my lovers] Idols and idolatrous people, by whose gift and benefit, and not by the true God, I have plenty of all good things, vers. 8. 12. Jer. 44. 17.

drink] Heb. drinks.

V. 6. I will hedge up thy way] I will punish thee, that thou mayest trie whether thine idols can help thee, and enclose thee up with difficulties, and bring thee into such distresse and straitnesse, that thou shalt not be able to runne out at thy owne pleasure. See Job 3. 23. & 19. 8. Lam. 3. 7. 9.

make a wall] Heb. wall a wall.

V. 7. follow after her lovers] She shall seek for favour and aide at their hands, but all in vain; they shall all forsake her, and change their ancient love into mortall hatred, Jer. 2. 36. Ezek. 16. 37.

to my first husband] Namely, to God. This he speaketh of the faithfull which are truly converted, and also sheweth the use and profit of Gods rods.

V. 8. I gave her corn] Idolaters defraud God of his honour, when they attribute his benefits to their idols.

wine] Heb. new wine.

which they prepared for Baal] Or, wherewith they made Baal▪ In making of idols, or in serving and honouring them. See Ezek. 7. 20. and 16. 16. Hos. 8. 4.

V. 9. and take away my corn in the time thereof] Signifying, that God will take away his benefits when man by his ingratitude doth abuse them. Namely, at the time which I have appointed: Or in harvest and vintage time, I will take away her encrease of corn and wine, which may be done by cursing the earth, that none or little fruit should arise: Or not letting it answer their labour and expectation: Or by bringing in the enemies at that time of the year to take the harvest to helpe themselves, and to hurt the inhabitants, as Ezek. 23. 29. Or by some other means.

recover] Or, take away.

to cover her nakednesse] And not to trim and deck her idols withall, as the beathen basely abused these good gifts.

V. 10. And now will I discover] Ezek. 16. 37. & 23. 29. The evils named before, he saith, he will presently bring upon them, thereby to move and provoke them to repentance.

her lewdnesse] Heb. folly, or villanie. That is, all her service, ceremonies, and inventions, whereby she worshipped her idols.

in the sight of her lovers] All her hopes she had in her idols and images to deliver her, shall appear false, and perish.

V. 11. feast-dayes] He sheweth that there shall be such want of all things, that sacrifices shall faile in their festivall dayes, when they used publikely to rejoyce, Num. 10. 10. And this was observed among the ten Tribes, in imitation of those of Judah, 1 King. 12. 32.

V. 12. destroy] Heb. make desolate.

she hath said] The cause of such severe judgement is repeated, that Gods justice may be commended: and that is double, because they defrauded God of his honour, and because they gave the glory due to God, unto false gods.

V. 13. the dayes of Baalim] I will punish her for her idolatries.

she decked her self] A tearme taken from lascivious women, which deck themselves for to allure men: whereby is meant the Israelites profane pomps in their idolatries.

V. 14. I will allure her] By my benefits in offering her grace and mercy, even in that place where she shall think her selfe destitute of all help and comfort.

and bring her into the wildernesse] I will gather her unto me, bringing her home from her banishment through many miseries, as I brought my people out of Egypt into the land of Canaan through the wildernesse.

speak comfortably unto her] Or, friendly. Heb. to her heart.

V. 15. thence] From the head of the wildernesse. The meaning is, as my people coming out of the wildernesse, entered into a most fruitfull countrey: so mine elect coming out of extreame spirituall miserie, shall enjoy mine abundant blessings. Others translate it, from that time.

valley of Achor] Whereof mention is made, Josh. 7. 26. Isa. 65. 10. It was a most fruitfull place at the entrance of the countrey, so soon as they were come over Jordan; and by it are meant the first favours which God bestoweth upon his, when they enter into his Church, which are to them certain pledges of the increase and accomplishment of them.

of her youth] She shall then praise God as she did when she was delivered out of Egypt. See Jer. 2. 2. Ezek. 16. 60.

V. 16. Ishi] That is, my husband; knowing that I am joyned to thee by an inviolable covenant.

Baali] That is, my Lord. Baal indeed signifieth husband also: but because this name had been profaned by being given to idols, the Lord meaneth that all contagions and mixture of idolatry should be cut off from his service.

V. 17. For I will take away the names] Exod. 23. 13. Psal. 16. 4. Zach. 13. 2.

by their name] No idolatry shall once come into their mouth, but they shall serve me purely according to my word. See Exod. 23. 13. Psal. 16. 4. Zach. 13. 2.

V. 18. a covenant] Job 5. 23. Isa. 11. 6. Ezek. 34. 25.

beasts of the field] Meaning, that he will so blesse them, that all creatures shall favour them. A figurative description of the Churches spirituall peace, under the Gospel.

and I will break the bow] Psal. 46. 9. Isa. 2. 4. Ezek. 39. 9.

V. 19. I will betroth thee] I will reestablish my covenant of grace with thee, not onelyonly to observe that faith which is required in all covenants: but also to forgive thee thy sinnes; and not to take notice of thine unworthinesse.

V. 20. in faithfulnesse] With an invariable fidelitie and constancie to maintain my covenant of grace with mine elect, notwithstanding all their defects, Zach. 8. 8. Rom. 3. 3. 7.

and thou shalt know] Jer. 31. 34.

V. 21. I will heare] I will cause my blessing to glide along, according to the order I put into the creatures; which I will reestablish for the safety of my Church.

I will heare the heavens] Zach. 8. 12.

V. 22. Jezreel] My people, which Chap. 1. 4. had been called Jezreel by way of threatning, and of curse: but here it is changed into a meaning of grace and promise: for Jezreel may also signifie him whom God soweth, or shall sow.

V. 23. I will sow her unto me] I will people the world with the spirituall progenie of mine elect and beleevers, Jer. 31. 27. Zach. 10. 9.

upon her that had not] That is to say, my people, called by these names, Hos. 1. 8, 9, 10.

I will say to them] Rom. 9. 26. 1 Pet. 2. 10.

CHAP. III.

Vers. 1. GO yet] For a signe that God had often renewed his covenant with his people, forgiving them their sinnes which were past: as in speciall under Jehu his reigne, 2 King. 9. & 10. Chap.

love a woman] This must also be understood the same way, and in the same sense, as Chap. 1. 2.

flagons] He intimates their dissolute manner of living, which is the ordinarie companion of idolatrie: See Exod. 32. 6. 1 Cor. 10. 7. even as corporall fornication draws gluttonie and drunkennesse along with it.

of wine] Heb. of grapes.

V. 2. I bought her to me] He hath relation to the ancient custome, by which husbands did bestow dowries upon their wives, or purchase them, Gen. 29. 18. 27. and 34. 12. 1 Sam. 18. 25. His first wife, Chap. 1. 2, 3. cost him nothing; for the parable taketh Israel, as it then was, when he began to prophecie: But this wife cost him money and corn; for the delivery of the people out of Babel, mystically typifying the deliverance of the Church from spirituall captivitie, was a purchase, and came not for nought. See Isa. 43. 24. Ephes. 5. 25.

for fifteene pieces of silver] These following rates have reference to the value and estimation of all the men of Israel according to their severall ages: for those above sixtie years old money was given; for all the rest barley. It is thus named in parts, that we might be the sooner led to observe how it alludeth to the law, Levit. 27. as also to denote the redemption and salvation of some of all ages. The fifteene shekels is the valuation of him that was above sixty years old, Levit. 27. ver. 7. The homer of barley, whose rate was fiftie shekels, vers. 16. was his value that was between twenty and sixty, vers. 3. The halfe homer, which was rated accordingly at five and twenty shekels, was for him that was between five years and twenty years, old twenty shekels; and for him that was between a monethmonth old and five years, five shekels, vers. 5, 6.

halfe-homer of barley] Heb. lethech.

V. 3. And I said unto her] Namely, after she had gone astray.

abide for me many dayes] Deut. 21. 13. I will separate thee from me for some time, keeping thee as it were shut up, to hinder thy unstayednesse: untill I take thee to me againe, as I intend to do, not putting thee away for ever.

V. 4. For the children of Israel] By this figure I will have thee to set forth the state of thy people, which for their idolatries shall be separated from the grace & communion of their God▪ without any kingdome or forme of common-wealth: and without any exercise of religion, unlesse of idolatrie, untill the time of their conversion to God by the Gospel.

many dayes without a king] From the sixt yeare of Hezekiahs reign, when Salmanasser carried away the ten Tribes, untill Christ by his death and resurrection conquered the enemies of mans salvation, and was constituted the King of his Church, were years six hundred seventy five.

an image] Heb. a standing, or statue.

ephod] The name of a Priestly garment, Exod. 28. 4. under which is comprehended all the service of the Church.

teraphim] Exod. 28. 4. Gen. 31. 19.

V. 5. David their king] The Messias, Davids sonne according to the flesh. See Jer. 30. 9. Ezek. 34. 23, 24. In whom Davids kingdome according to promise was eternall, Psal. 72. 17.

latter dayes] Isa. 2. 2.

CHAP. IIII.

Vers. 1. COntroversie] Isa. 3. 13. Jer. 25. 31. Hos. 12. 2. Mic. 6. 2. Because the people would not obey the admonitions of the Prophet, he citeth them before the judgementseat of God, against whom they chiefly offended, Isa. 7. 13. Mic. 6. 1, 2. Zach. 12. 10.

V. 2. bloud toucheth bloud] Heb. blouds. In every place appeareth a libertie to most hainous vices, so that one followeth in the neck of another.

V. 3. the land mourn] A description of an extreame and universall desolation. as Jer. 4. 25. & 12. 4.

V. 4. Yet let no man strive] Notwithstanding these great and publike sinnes, in which the false prophets do flatter and sooth up the people, let not the true Prophets profane my word, by speaking it to these obstinate and hardened rebels. I will contend with them by effects, and punishments, and no more by words and reproofs. So this agreeth very well with what was spoken, vers. 1. See Gen. 6. 3.

strive with the priest] That undertake to withstand Gods right, which the high-priest declareth unto them, Deut. 17. 12. which is the last degree of boldnesse. See Rom. 2. 8. & 10. 21.

V. 5. shalt thou fall] He directeth his speech to each particular person among the people.

in the day] These words, in the day, and in the night, do seem to intimate a continuation of ruine. Others translate it, to day: that is to say, within a short time.

the prophet also shall fall] Namely, all the false prophets.

destroy] Heb. cut off.

thy mother] All the whole body of the kingdome and nation.

V. 6. destroyed] Heb. cut off.

for lack of knowledge] For of themselves they have no lively light of my word, and they will voluntarily put out that which I present unto them, and refuse all manner of instruction. Isa. 5. 13.

hast rejected knowledge] This seems to be specially directed to the priests, and other Ecclesiasticall persons, whose chief dutie is to teach and instruct. See Deut 33. 3. 10. Mal. 2. 7.

V. 7. were increased] Namely, in dignitie and authoritie: for this is also referred to the pastours.

will I change their glory into shame] Phil. 3. 19.

V. 8. They eat up] They fatten themselves with the sacrifices which my people offer for their sinnes, and are greedy after them, and take no care of their conversion.

set their heart on their iniquitie] Heb. lift up their soul to their iniquitie.

V. 9. like people] Isa. 24. 2. Signifying, that as they have sinned together, so shall they be punished together, without any difference or respect had of their office.

punish them] Heb. visit upon.

reward them their doings] Heb. cause to return.

V. 10. For they shall eat] Levit. 26. 26. Hag. 1. 6.

commit whoredome] Shewing, that their wickednesse shall be punished on all sorts: for though they thinke by the multitude of wives to have many children, yet they shall be deceived of their hope.

V. 11. Whoredome] In giving themselves to pleasure they become like brute beasts.

V. 12. My people] Thus he speaketh by derision in calling them his people, which now for their sinnes they were not.

ask counsell] In stead of seeking after Gods oracle to have counsell given them in difficult cases.

their stocks] Namely, their idols made of wood.

their staff declareth unto them] Some think he hath relation to an ancient manner of divining by staves and rods. Others hold that here are meant the rods of the Soothsayers and Magicians; as Exod. 7. 12.

the spirit of whoredomes] Namely, the inclination and affection unto idolatry, kindled in the heart of man by the evill spirit. See Isa. 44. 20.

V. 13. They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains] Isa. 1. 29. & 57. 5. 7. Ezek. 6. 13.

your daughters shall commit whoredome] Because they take away Gods honour, and give it to idols, therefore he will give them …p to their lusts, that they shall dishonour their owne bodies, Rom. 1. 28. See Amos 7. 17.

V. 14. I will not punish your daughters] Or, shall I not, &c. I will not punish the shamefull sinnes in your daughters and wives, but let them run headlong in those bad courses.

separated with whores] From m…: cutting themselves off from my covenant and communion, by joyning themselves to harlots which were excommunicate from amongst Gods people, Prov. 2. 16. & 6. 24. See of this separation Prov. 18. 1. Ezek. 14. 7. Hos 9. 10. Jude 19.

fall] Or, be punished.

V. 15. let not Judah offend] God turneth his speech to Judah, willing them that by the example of Israel they doe not sinne, by whoredomes, in worshipping Idols.

Gilgal] In this place, whereof see Josh. 5. 9. there was some publike idolatry not mentioned in the history. See Hos. 9. 15. & 12. 12. Amos 4. 4.

Beth-aven] 1 King. 12. 29. It is the same as Bethel: but because Bethel signifies the house of God, Gen. 28. 17. and that this place had been profaned by the idolatry of the calves; the Prophets do often call it Beth-aven: that is to say, the house of an idoll, or the house of vanity, Hos. 5. 8. and 10. 5. because that neer unto Bethel there was another high place called Beth-aven, Josh. 7. 2.

the LORD liveth] After the manner of idolaters, who pretended they did sweare by the true God, when they swore by these calves, Amos 8. 14. for the ten tribes did professe that they worshipped God in them, imitating Aaron, Exod. 32. 5. 2 King. 10. 16. which notwithstanding was reproved by God.

V. 16. For Israel slideth back] Deut. 32. 15. Zach. 7. 11.

a lambe] Seeing they have been so rebellious, and have loved liberty so well, I will grant it them, but to their ruine; like to the liberty of a lambe in the wildernesse, where it would be exposed to a thousand dangers and miseries. Unlesse he threaten them with the desolation of the countrey, and with the small number which should remain in it.

V. 17. Ephraim is joyned to idols] The ten tribes, called by the name of the chiefe tribe.

let him alone] That is, thou Judah, or every beleever have nothing to doe with him: by conference of verse 15. Others say, such as are good among them, let them be separated from him to Judah, or some other faithfull, 2 Cor. 6. 17.

V. 18. is sowre] Heb. is gone. A proverbiall speech, to set out the corruption of the people in the whole service of God, Psal. 14. 3. Isa. 1. 22.

rulers] Heb. shields. The heads of the people who should protect them, spoile them, Psal. 47. 9.

Give ye] They are so impudent in receiving bribes, that they will command men to bring them unto them: and so the rulers base coveting of presents disgraceth all the government, Micah 7. 3.

V. 19. bound her up in her wings] To carry them suddenly away as it were by a strong puffe of wind or a storm.

be ashamed because of their sacrifices] Seeing themselves falne from the hope which they had conceived, and deceived in the trust which they had put in them. Or, they shall be disgraced: that is to say, they shall fall into extreame misery and ignominy, through their idolatries, Jer. 2. 27.

CHAP. V.

Vers. 1. O House of the king] Namely, ye that are the Kings officers, ministers and counsellors.

for judgement is toward you] Heb. for to you the judgement is. Namely, the charge of doing right and justice belongeth to you, and ye have been the chiefe authors of extortion and injury, as is said afterwards. Or, judgement is comming upon you, Mal. 2. 1.

because] Or, but.

a snare on Mizpah] Ye priests and princes have laid snares to intrap the innocent in their lives and goods, as theeves and robb…rs doe for passers by, or fowlers do upon the hills of Mizpah and Tabor.

V. 2. the revolters] Termes taken from such as are highway robbers, which turn aside or lye in ambush and hidden places for mens estates and lives.

profound to make slaughter] Which some expound, are in great number. Others, they do seek most deep, hidden or secret places, that is, deceits and subtiltie. See such craftie and subtill oppressours set out in their colours, Psal. 10. 9, 10.

though] Or, and, &c.

a rebuker] Heb. a correction. That is, I that am the supream Lord, will look over and correct their judgements, and make these false Judges give an account: Or, I will be he that shall reprove and punish all these iniquities, Job 24. 16. Hos. 6. 9.

V. 3. I know Ephraim] They boasted themselves not onelyonly to be Israelites, but also Ephraimites, because their king Jeroboam came of that Tribe.

V. 4. They will not frame their doings] Heb. they will not give. Or, their doings will not suffer them: Or, their workes will not suffer them to be converted.

for the spirit of whoredomes is in the midst of them] Chap. 4. 12.

V. 5. And the pride of Israel doth testifie to his face] Their impudent boldnesse in sinning, and contemning of God, makes them notoriously guilty, and altogether inexcusable. Ch. 7. 10.

V. 6. They shall goe with their flocks] Prov. 1. 28. Isa. 1. 15. Jer. 11. 11. Ezek. 8. 18. Mic. 3. 4. Joh. 7. 34. To offer sacrifices, by them to seek counsell and help of God.

V. 7. They have dealt treacherously against the LORD] Like an adulterous woman, which conceives and brings forth by others more then by her husband. The meaning is, the peoples corruptnesse sheweth it selfe in this; that publike orders serve for nothing, but to make them fitting for idolatry, and not to turn and amend them.

a m…nth devoure them] Their destruction is not farre off: or a short time will serve for to root them quite out. See Zach. 11. 8.

V. 8. Blow ye the cornet] A representation of the enemies sudden coming: as it were by a signall given from these high places of Benjamin, which bordered upon the kingdome of the ten Tribes.

Beth-aven] A citie situate between Ephraim, and Benjamin, Josh. 7. 2. & 18. 12.

after thee, O Benjamin] The citie of Beth-aven, being a little beyond Benjamins countrey.

V. 9. that which shall surely be] By the successe they shall surely know that I have determined this.

V. 10. remove the bound] They do violate all the lawes, which are the publique bounds of every ones right: and in their judgements do overthrow particular mens titles, concerning the lawfull possession of their goods.

like water] Like a cloud, or a deluge of waters.

V. 11. broken in judgement] By the abuse of publike orders, and by the tyrannie of his Kings and Princes; which God suffereth for a punishment of that that they have willingly consented and obeyed the orders made by their kings, for the establishment of Idolatry, 1 Kings 12. 28.

V. 12. will I be unto Ephraim as a m…th] I will cause them by little and little to consume themselves with disorders, and inward evils, untill they be quite overthrown.

rottennesse] Or, a worme.

V. 13. Ephraim saw his sicknesse] The evils which did consume them.

then went Ephraim to the Assyrian] Menahem King of Israel required the assistance of Pul King of Assyria. 2 King. 15. 19.

and sent] That is, Judah; which is to be supplied by analogie of what went before, and follows after.

to King Jared] Or, to the king of Jared: or, to the king that should plead. Namely, to Tiglath-pilneser King of Assyria, to whom Ahaz King of Judah sent for help against Rezin King of Syria, and Pekah King of Israel. 2 Kings 16. 7.

V. 14. For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion] Lam. 3. 10.

go away] A terme taken from wild beasts, which having taken any prey, do runne away presently, so that the prey cannot be recovered from them.

V. 15. return to my place] I will take away the presence of my grace from them, as if I did shut my self up in heaven.

till they acknowledge their offence] Heb. till they be guilty. Lev. 26. 40, 41. Jer. 29. 12. Ezek. 6. 9. and 20. 43. and 36. 31.

CHAP. VI.

Vers. 1. LEt us return unto the LORD] He sheweth the people how they ought to return to the Lord, that he might call back his plagues. Others, it seemes to be a discourse of the people repenting, being the sequell of the precedent Chapter.

for he hath torn] Deut. 32. 39. 1 Sam. 2. 6. Job 5. 18.

V. 2. After two dayes will he revive us] 1 Cor. 15. 4. In a very short time he will restore us, as it were, from death to life. Others hold it to be a secret prophesie of Christs resurrection the third day after his death.

we shall live in his sight] Under his protection and favour, participating of his grace, and in his fear and obedience.

V. 3. Then shall we know] Rom. 1. 20.

if we follow on] Or, how to follow. John. 8. 31, 32.

his going forth is prepared as the morning] The manifestation of his grace in his Sonne, shall be in the appointed time, and shall keep it ordinary course, as the Sunne doth at his rising. See Judges 5. 31. Prov. 4. 18.

as the rain] See Job 29. 23. Psal. 72. 6.

and former rain unto the earth] Or, raineth upon the earth.

V. 4. goodnesse] Or, merciemercy, or, kindenesse. All the shews you make of converting to me, of serving and fearing me, have no firmnesse nor continuance. He hath a relation to the frequent reformations of Gods worship, which were never of any long continuance among the children of Israel, longer then Gods hand was on them. Chap. 5. 15.

as a morning cloud] Which is suddenly dispersed at the rising of the Sunne.

V. 5. Therefore have I hewed them] I have severely reproved, chidden and threatned them by my Prophets, to set them upright, like as is done to a knotty and crooked peece of timber.

I have slain them] I have judged and condemned them to death. See 1 King. 19. 17. Jer. 1. 10. 2 Cor. 10. 5, 6.

and thy judgements are as the light] Or, that thy judgment… might be as the light. My threatnings, and the sentence which I have pronounced against thee, hath every morning been declared unto them by my Prophets, Jer. 7. 13. and 11. 7. and 35. 14. that seeming to be the hour which was appointed for the Prophets preaching.

V. 6. For I desired mercy] 1 Sam. 15. 22. He sheweth to what scope his doctrine tended, that they should joyn the obedience of God, and the love of their neighbour with outward sacrifice, for else outward service will not satisfie God. See Eccles. 5. 1. Matth. 9. 13. and 12. 7.

and not sacrifice] Psal. 50. 8, Isa. 1. 11.

V. 7. like men] Heb. like Adam, the first sinner of all, who brake Gods first Covenant with mankinde, whence followed the generall curse upon all men. See Job 31. 33. Isa. 43. 27. Or, as if it had been the Covenant of some mean man.

V. 8. Gilead] Which was the place where the Priests dwelt, and which should have been best instructed in my Word. It is thought to be Ramoth-Gilead, Josh. 20. 8. and 21. 38. which was one of the Cities of refuge, for those which had committed some murther unawares; and hee seems to inferre, that it was a refuge for wilfull murtheres. See Chap. 12. 11.

polluted with bloud] Or, cunning for bloud.

V. 9. the company of Priests] Or, the league and conspiracie; as Jer. 11. 9. Ezek. 22. 25.

by consent] Heb. with one shoulder; or, to Shechem: which was also a city of refuge, Josh. 20. 7. and belonged to the Levites, Josh. 21. 21. where it may be that Jeroboam had placed some false Priests, which himself had made: See Chap. 5. 2. which committed many outrages and murders upon them which frequented the Temple of Jerusalem, contrary to his command: or, generally upon all Travellers.

for they commit lewdnesse] Or, for they commit enormitie. I do liken these Priests violences to theft, for they are cruell and insufferable.

V. 10. horrible] Or, brutish, and infamous.

the whoredome] That is, the Idolatry.

V. 11. an harvest] That is, O ye ten Tribes, though for the present ye have no good plants of true beleevers amongst you, yet ye shall be replenished with them again: when ye shall be united again to Judah, and by means of the Gospel which shall come forth of Jerusalem, Psal. 110. 2. Isa. 2. 3. God shall deliver his elect of all Nations out of their spirituall captivity, and at last the whole body of his people Israel, Jer. 31. 5.

CHAP. VII.

Vers. 1. VVHen I would have healed Israel] When by my Word I tried to correct the sinnes of my people, their secret wickednesse, and inward hardnesse hath manifested it self, as it often happeneth in bodily infirmities.

wickednesse] Heb. evils.

the thief cometh in] Into the house for to steal, meaning, that there was no one kinde of vice among them, but that they were subject to all kinde of wickednesse, both secret and open.

spoileth] Heb. strippeth.

V. 2. consider not in their hearts] Heb. say not to their hearts.

have beset them about] Like as it were with ropes and snares, that they may no longer escape judgemens. Prov. 5. 22. Or, the punishments of their misdeeds have bound them.

they are before my face] They commit their misdeeds boldly and openly. Or I keep them in minde, and they are alwaies present before me.

V. 3. king glad with their wickednesse] All their wickednesses are made occasion of their mirth and pastime, even by the Judges and Magistrates themselves. A sign of an extreame corruption.

V. 4. an oven heated] He compareth the rage of the people to a burning oven, which the Baker heateth still, till his dough be leavened and raised: and so they use all means to fulfill their unbridled concupiscence.

who ceaseth] Or, the raiser will cease.

from raising] Or, from waking.

V. 5. the day of our king] Namely, the day of his birth, or of his coronation; his Courtiers have perswaded him to drunkennesse: whereupon having laid aside all manner of Majestie, he hath done acts befitting a jester, or juggler.

with bottles of wine] Or, with heat through wine.

V. 6. For they have] When they have plotted some treacherie, they hatch it within themselves secretly, untill such time as the passion of desire or of revenge being come to the height, it do break out in effects. See Mic. 2. 1.

made ready] Or, applied.

V. 7. all hot as an oven] This rage discovers it selfe chiefly in their seditions, frequent conspiracies, and murders of their Kings, 1 King. 15. 27. & 16. 9. 10. 21. & 2 King. 9. 14. & 15. 10. 14. 25. 30.

there is none among] They are so possessed with their affection to evill, that they cannot think upon me, to call upon me in these publike disorders, nor to be rightly converted to me, Isa. 64. 7.

V. 8. mixed himself] By treaties, leagues, and commerce, which have brought them into participation of idolatrie and vices.

a cake not turned] As if he should say, he is neither raw, nor baked: which may be referred, either to the mixture and indifferencie of religions: or to that, that being as it were all fired by Gods judgements, he was not one humbled whit nor amended by it; but was still raw in impenitencie and obstinacy: like a cake that is burnt on one side, and dough on the other.

V. 9. gray hairs are] Which are a token of his manifold afflictions, or decaied strength.

here and there] Heb. sprinkled.

V. 10. pride of Israel] Chap. 5. 5.

for all this] For all the chastisements aforesaid.

V. 11. without heart] That is, without all judgement; as they that cannot tell whether it is better to cleave onelyonly to God, or to seek the help of man.

they call to Egypt] To aide and relieve them: and would not come to me. See 2 King. 15. 19. & 17. 4. Hos. 5. 13.

V. 12. I will spread my net] I will curse their endevours, and make the issue of them to be to their ruine and confusion.

congregation] According to my curses made to the whole congregation of Israel, and denounced by my Prophets, 2 King. 17. 13.

V. 13. destruction] Heb. spoil.

yet they have spoken lies] When I have delivered them▪ they have made false protestations to me of future faithfulnesse and service. Or they have spoken lies against me, attributing their deliverance to m…n or to idols, and all their afflictions to me.

V. 14. they have not cried unto me] By true and sincere prayers of faith, but have onelyonly howled when they have felt their evils: or through grumbling and impatience. See Job 35. 9, 10.

they assemble themselves] To make publike supplications, seeking only their own commoditie and wealth, and not passing for me their God.

V. 15. have bound] Or, chastened.

strengthened their armes] I have tempered my punishments, and I have given them strength to bear them, and not to be overthrown by them. Or, after I have scourged them, I have reestablished them.

mischiefe against me] By their rebellion and apostafie.

V. 16. they are like a deceit full bow] Psal. 78. 57. They have no staidnesse no… uprightnesse towards me, but are like a slackstringed, or ill-fashioned bow; or a bow which turneth in the archers hand, Psal. 78. 57. Or a warping or casting bow.

rage of their tongue] Psal. 73. 9. Because they boast of their owne strength, and passe not what they speake against me and my servants.

CHAP. VIII.

Vers. 1. SEt the trumpet] To give warning of the enemies coming, Hos. 5. 8.

thy mouth] Heb. the roof of thy mouth.

as an cagle] Deut. 28. 49. Jer. 4. 13. & 48. 40. & 49. 22. Ezek. 17. 3. Hab. 1. 8. Namely, the King of Assyria shall speedily come.

house of the LORD] To wit, against Israel which was once the people of God, among whom God had his habitation as in his Temple or Palace.

V. 2. Israel] Or, they shall crie unto me, My God, we know thee, we are Israel.

crie unto me] Out of season, and not be heard. Or out of meere sense of evil, without faith, piety, or conversion, as Job 27. 9. Pro. 1. 27, 28. Isa. 1. 15. Mic. 3. 4.

we know thee] Thou hast revealed thy selfe to us by thy Law and Word. And we make profession of being thy people. See Matth. 7. 21. 22. Luk. 13. 26, 27.

V. 3. cast off th… thing that is good] They have strayed from all piety and righteousnesse. Or, they are the cause that my grace and blessing is gone away from them.

V. 4. They have set up kings] The people of their own proper motion, without enquiring after my will, or staying for my command, or permission, have chosen and made Kings of their own heads: first Jeroboam, 1 King. 12. and after him successors: for though God promised ten Tribes to Jeroboam, 1 King. 11. 31. yet they had no command by God to make him King; wherefore they sinned separating themselves from the lawfull rule of Davids posteritie, though this happened according to Gods secret providence, Hos. 13. 11.

of their silver] Chap▪ 2. 8.

V. 5. O Samaria] Namely▪ O ye ten Tribes whose chiefe citie is Samaria; your idolatry with your calves at Bethel and Dan, 1 King. 12. 28, 29. is the chiefe cause of your dispersion out of your own countrey. Or your calfe hath been carried a farre of, namely, into Assyria; as the idols of the nations overcome, w…re carried away captive in triumph by the conquerors. See Chap. 10 6.

innocencie] That is, upright judgement and godly life.

V. 6. was it also] That is, the calfe which Israel did adore, was invented by themselves, no lesse then that of their fathers set up in the wildernesse of Sinai: and the worshipping of the calves in which the children of Israel professed they worship the true God, is false and reproved by God, being but a humane invention, as all other idolatries are.

broken in pieces] Being the work of the Goldsmith, and nor of God, the stuffe by the workman shall be laid upon the anvill againe.

V. 7. they have sown the winde] A proverbiall kind of speech, meaning they have studied vain things, and shall reap nothing thereby, but damage and ruine.

it hath no stalke] Or, standing corn.

if so be it yeeld] If their counsels should bring forth any seeming commoditie or profit, the enemies shall take it away from them.

V. 8. swallowed up] Is spoyled by the Assyrians, and laid wast. It may be he hath relation to what is written, 2 King. 15. 19▪ 20.

they be among the Gentiles] The nations whose favour they seek after, will disdain and neglect them, as …n old broken vessell, sit for none but unclean uses, Jer. 22. 28. and 48. 38.

as a vessel wherein] Jer. 22. 28. and 48. 38.

V. 9. a wild ass… ] Job 39. 5. 8. Jer. 2. 24. They never cease but runne to and fro to seek help. Or a salvage people inhumane, and unnaturall, that care for no body. See Job 39. 6, 7, 8. Jer. 2. 34.

Ephraim hath hired] Isa. 30. 6. Ezek. 16. 33, 34.

lovers] Heb. loves.

V. 10. I gather them] Bring them up in armes against the people of Israel, to destroy them. See Ezek. 16. 37.

they shall sorrow a little for the burden] Or, begin. The least evils which they shall endure shall be so extreame, that the burden of the tribute which they payd to the king of Assyria, wherewith they found themselves so much oppressed, 2 King. 17. 3. shall be esteemed but a very light thing.

of the king of princes] Of the greatest Monarch then of the world, 2 King 18. 19. Isa. 10. 8. see Dan. 2. 37.

V. 11. Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sinne] Because my people would commit idolatry without any end or measure, I have given them up to do so, that they might heap up their measure of sinne.

V. 12. the great things] Namely, the admirable and precious revelation and dectrin.

they were counted as a strange thing] They have contemned them, as things which no way concerned them. Thus idolaters count the word of God as strange in respect of their own inventions.

V. 13. They sacrifice flesh for the sacrifices of mine offerings] Or▪ in the sacrifices of mine offerings they, &c. In their sacrifices of thanksgiving (whereof a certain portion was assigned to them that offered, to make their sacred feasts therewith) they never had any regard of devotion towards me, but only regarded their own bellies: so that it is no longer a sacrifice, but profane flesh. See Jer. 7. 21.

return to Egypt] That is, they shall be led captive into Assyria, where they shall be used as servants, as they had been formerly used in Egypt: according to the threatning, Deut. 28. 68. Conferre with this verse, Chap. 9. 3. Or God will punish their sinne in seeking unto Egypt. Or Egypt may be taken literally, as Deut. 28. 68.

V. 14. his maker] That is, God who created them after his image, Gen. 1. 26. and afterwards made them his people by covenant of grace, Psal. 100. 3. Isa. 29. 23. & 51. 13. & 54. 5. Eph. 2. 10.

buildeth temples] To idols, or to the true God, but against Gods commandment, who approved but of one, where he had placed the tok…ns of his presence.

fire upon his cities] Wherein they put trust, for their deliverance and safetie. Isa. 22. 8, 9.

the palaces thereof] Or, her palaces.

CHAP. IX.

Vers. 1. REjoyce not] Presuming that thine idolatry shall scape unpunished, or that God will cause it to prosper, as it happeneth to other profane people: for though all other people should escape, yet thou shalt be punished. See Ezek. 20. 32. Amos 3. 2.

for joy] Or, with joy.

for thou hast gone a whoring] That which in other nations is but meere ignorance, in thee is meere apostafie and rebellion.

thou hast loved] Thou hast prostituted thy self to a loose idolatry, like to a common whore, that goeth a whoring up and down the threshing floores. Or he doth meane some particular kinde of idolatry, which was used in the time of harvest and threshing▪ as if they would have acknowledged their encrease to come by their idols goodnesse, Hos. 2. 5.

a reward] Jer. 44. 17.

upon every corn-floore] Or, in, &c.

V. 2. The floore and the wine-presse] Or, wine-fat. These outward things that thou seekest, shall be taken from thee.

V. 3. shall return to Egypt] Chap. 8. 13.

eat unclean things] Ez…k. 4. 13. Being not able by reason of their misery and slavery, to observe the distinction of meats, which was appointed by the law, or being also constrained to eat things consecrated to idols.

V. 4. offer wine-offerings] All their sacrifices and offerings being profaned by their impieties, are rejected by God: and they themselves in stead of being sanctified by them, are polluted thereby, as they should be by funerall and mourning feasts. Whereof see upon Deut. 26. 14.

for their soul] They offer sacrifices to me, onelyonly to make their feasts thereof. Hos. 8. 13. Zach. 7. 6. Let them therefore keep them as a common kinde of flesh, and not offer them to mee through hypocrisie, as if they were holy.

V. 5. do in the solemn day] When the Lord shall take away all occasions of serving him, which shall be the most grievous point of their captivitie, when you shall see your selves cut off from God.

V. 6. they are gone] He represents their flight and exile, as a thing that had happened already.

destruction] Heb. spoil Done by their enemies.

the pleasant places for their silver, nettles, &c.] Or, their silver shall be desired the nettle, &c. Heb. the desire.

nettles shall possesse them] Isa. 32. 13. & 34. 13. The inhabitants being driven out, or dead, all manner of wild plants shall grow up there.

V. 7. the prophet is a fool] Namely, the false prophets who feigned themselves to be inspired by God, and flatter the people, feeding them with vain hopes.

spirituall man] Heb. man of the spirit. Mic. 2. 11.

hatred] To wit. of God against you.

V. 8. The watchman of Ephraim] The faithfull prophets who are the Churches watchmen, Isa. 21. 11. & 62. 6. Ezek. 3. 17. are dead and gathered up into celestiall rest: the false ones which yet remain, are so farre from keeping it from ruine, that they drive and cast it down headlong into it Others say the false prophets watch the godly in Ephraim which yet sticke close to God, to insnare them. See 1 King. 19. 18.

hatred] The chief occasion of Gods wrath, and of the reprobation of Gods people who are as it were his family.

in the house of his God] Or, against. As Hos. 8. 1.

V. 9 have deeply corrupted themselves] Heb. made deep corrupted. This people is so rooted in their wickednesse, that Gibeah, which was like Sodome, was never more corrupt, Judg. 19. 22. Or wholly corrupted, to the bottome, as Isa. 31. 6.

Gibeah] Judges 19. 1. Hos. 10 9.

V. 10 I found Israel like grapes in the wildernesse] When I adopted Israel to be my peculiar people, I tooke great delight in them: even as a traveller in grapes in a d…sert, or in some rare and early fruit. See Isa. 28. 4. Mic. 7. 1. but they were quickly stained with idolatry, in which you do yet continue to this time.

at her first time] When the figs first come.

they went to Baal-peor] To commit fornication by idolatry, Numb. 25. 3.

separated themselves] From God to go after idols, Hos. 4. 14.

unto that shame] Idols are so called by way of abomination. Jer. 3. 24. & 11. 13. and especially Baal-peor, whose shape and worship was most obscene.

abominations were according] Like unto the idol. Or according as their minds and lusts carried them: Sometime to one, sometime to another.

as they loved] Chap. 13. 2.

V. 11. their glory] Which consisted chiefly in their great number, wherewith God had blessed them, and raised them to be the chiefe of the ten tribes. See Gen. 48. 19.

from the birth] By the sudden death of their children so soon as they shall be born, or so soon as they shall be formed in the wombe, or when they shall be conceived, or before, by the barrennesse of the mothers.

V. 12. I bereave them] By a violent death, Job 27. 14.

V. 13. as I saw Tyrus] Though Ephraim was pleasantly planted, and well fortified, as that faire and magnificent citie Tyrus, Ezek. 26. & 27. & 28. yet his children shall be brought under the Assyrians, who will kill them or carry them forth to battel.

V. 14. miscarrying wombe] Heb. that casteth the fruit. The Prophet seeing the great plagues of God toward Ephraim, prayeth to God to make them barren, rather then that this great slaughter should come upon their children after they are grown to ripe yeares.

V. 15. is in Gilgal] Chap. 4. 15. & 12. 11. The chiefe of their destruction is that they commit idolatry, and corrupt my religion in Gilgal.

I will drive them out of mine house] I will no longer take them for my children.

V. 16. Ephraim is smitten] As by fire or thunder from God: whereby all power of recovering themselves shall be taken from them: and if they doe prosper in off-spring, I will curse them, and root them out.

the beloved] Heb. the desires.

CHAP. X.

Vers. 1. AN emptie vine] Or, a vine emptying the fruit which it giveth. Whereof though the grapes were gathered (for Pul king of Assyria pild them, 2 King. 15. 20.) yet ever as it gathered new strength, it increased new wickednesse, so that the correction which should have brought them to obedience, did but utter their stubbornnesse.

he hath increased the altars] Chap. 8. 11. & 12. 11.

to the goodnesse of his land] As they were rich and had aboundance by the fertilitie of the land, so they became more idolatrous, Deut. 32. 15.

images] Heb. statues or standing images.

V. 2. Their heart] Or, he hath divided their heart.

divided] To wit, from God, who having taken away his Spirit of peace and concord from them, hath given them over to seditions, factions, and frequent murthers of their princes, which will cause the utter ruine of the kingdome. See 2 King. 15. 10 14. 25. 30.

break] Heb. behead.

V. 3. For now they shall say] Within a very short time God shall take away their king, and then they shall feele the fruit of their sinnes, and how they trusted in him in vain, 2 King. 17. 6. 7.

what then] Though we had one, yet he could not free us or defend us.

V. 4. swearing falsely] To God, in promising him conversion and service. Or to their king, obliging themselves to be faithfull to him. Or to the king of Assyria being under him, but swearing falsely, and conspiring with the king of Egypt, 2 King. 17. 3, 4.

ju…gement springeth up as hemlock] Thus their integritie and fidelitie which they pretended, was nothing but bitternesse and griefe. Others, for this Gods judgements shall multiply like hemlock, or other poysonous hearbs which grow in a…undance in the fields.

V. 5. Samaria shall fear] Seeing their idols taken and carried away by the enemies.

because of the calves] Heb. the cows, or cow calves. He calleth those calves so in contempt.

Beth-aven] See Hos. 4. 15.

the people thereof shall mourn] To wit, of the calfe: meaning that they were no more worthy to be called Gods people, but the people of the calfe their idol. See Numb. 21. 29.

the priests thereof] Or, Chemarim. Heb. Chemarims. Who were certain idolatrous priests, which did weare black apparell in their sacrifices, and cried with a loud voice: which superstition Elijah derided, 1 King. 18. 27. read 2 King. 23. 5.

V. 6. It shall be also carried unto Assyria] Namely, the calfe. According to the custome of carrying away the idols of those nations which were conquered. See Isa. 46. 1, 2.

king Jareb] To the king protector, namely, the king of Assyria, whom the Israelites had chosen for their protector and defender, Chap. 5. 13.

of his own counsell] Namely, of that which he hath undertaken of his own minde, beyond, and against the will of God, Psal. 106. 43. Hos. 11. 6. Or, of conspiring with the king of Egypt against the king of Assyria, 2 King. 17. 4.

V. 7. the water] Heb. the face of the water.

V. 8. Aven] Which is the same as Beth-aven. This he speaketh in contempt of Bethel, read Chap. 4. 15.

the sinne of Israel] The object and instrument of idolatry, Deut 9. 21.

the thorn and the thistle] Chap. 9. 6.

and they shall say to the mountains] Isa. 2. 19. Luk. 23. 30. Rev. 6. 16. and 9. 6.

Cover us] Words of such persons as desire death, for fear of evils that are greater then death; and of such as are in despaire.

V. 9. from the dayes of Gibeah] Judg. 19. 14. Chap. 9. 9. The horrible sinnes of Gibeah, Judg. 19. 22. which were then so severely punished, do still continue and increase in thee.

there they stood] Though their fathers were no better then they of Gibeah, against whom they warred because of their infamous wickednesses, yet the Lord delivered them out of those bloudy battels.

V. 10. that I should chastise them] Because they are so desperately evil, I will satisfie my wrath with their just punishment.

shall be gathered against them] Chap. 8. 10.

when they shall bind themselves] Or, when I shall bind them for their two transgressions, or in their two habitations, that is, Israel and Judah.

two furrows] That is, when they have gathered all their strength together. Or it may have relation to the two invasions of the kings of Assyria, 2 King. 15. 29. & 17. 3. And because the Assyrians had been as the lovers of the children of Israel, Chap. 8. 9, 10. the Prophet useth a word which signifyeth an appointment of some unchast meeting.

V. 11. to tread out] Wherein is pleasure, as in ploughing is labour and pain: even so my people would enjoy my blessings, but would not be subject to the yoke of mine obedience and discipline.

her faire neck] Heb. the beauty of her neck. I will tame her and bring her into subjection.

I will make Ephraim to ride] Now I will handle Ephraim more hardly, the whole nation shall be carried captive into Assyria: neither wil I spare Judah, but he shall plough and harrow, that is, suffer misery by the Babylonish captivitie: and this was lesse and more tolerable then that of the ten tribes, as it is lesse trouble to the beast that plougheth and harroweth, then to the horse that is ridden, specially by a rigid rider.

V. 12. Sow to your selves] Indeavour your selves to do good workes, and the Lord shall be propitious to you: prepare your hearts, which are like a waste ground, by true repentance, to receive Gods grace, which is like a shower of rain.

break up your fallow ground] Jer. 4. 3.

righteousnesse upon you] Namely, his grace and blessing, according to the truth of his promises. Others understand this to be spoken of Christ, who brought the true righteousnesse into the world, Dan. 9. 24. to receive which, the preparation of the heart is necessarily required.

V. 13. Ye have ploughed wickednesse] Job 4. 8. Prov. 22. 8. Gal. 6. 7. By art and endevour, you have stirred up and practised your naturall malice, to cause it to produce many evill acts.

reaped iniquity] Namely, the just punishment thereof.

ye have eaten the fruit of lyes] Ye have in effect tried what vanity was in your hopes, grounded upon your wickednesses, and upon humane strength.

V. 14. Shalman spoiled Betharbel] 2 King. 18. 34. & 19. 13. This history is mentioned no where else. Some hold this to be the same as Shalmaneser, 2 King. 17. 3. and Betharbel to be the name of some citie taken and destroyed by him. 1 Mac. 9. 2. there is mention made of Arbel, which may be the same with this.

the mother was dashed in pieces upon her children] A proverbiall kind of speech, to describe a totall destruction. See Gen. 32. 11. Chap. 13. 16.

V. 15. So shall Bethel do unto you] Your idolatry which you runne headlong into, the chiefe whereof is Bethel, shall be the cause of your destruction in the same kind.

your great wickednesse] Heb. the evill of your evill.

in a morning] As soon as the day prefixed for Gods judgements to light upon him shall appeare. Or▪ suddenly.

shall the king of Israel utterly be cut off] Hoshea, 2 King. 17. 4.

CHAP. XI.

Vers. 1. VVHen Israel was a childe] Or, Because Israel was a childe. In it first begining, nam…ly when it first began to be a nation in Egypt. See Jer. 2. 2. Ezek. 16. 22. Also it is true of Christ, who when he was a childe fled thither from Herod, and came thence to Judea, where by his death he delivered his people from the bondage of sinne, figured by that Egyptian bondage: this exposition the Evangelist maketh, Matth. 2. 15.

called my sonne …ut of Egypt] Matth 2. 15 Exod. 4. 22, 23.

V. 2. they called them] Namely, my Prophets exhorted them to repentance, and to my true service, which was the chief end for which they were called out of Egypt. Exod. 4. 23.

V. 3. I taught Ephraim also to go] I have been as a nurse to him. Exod 19 4. Deut. 32. 10, 11, 12.

I healed them] That is, delivered them from all evill. Exod. 15. 26. and 23. 25.

V. 4. I drew them] A phrase taken from cattell, bred up to carry or draw, which by a good master are used gently, and brought to their labour without any violence.

take off] Heb. lift up.

the yoke on their jawes] By which must be understood the muzzel, for otherwise a yoke doth noth not use to be laid upon the jawes.

I laid meat unto them] Which they could not take till the muzzel was removed.

V. 5. He shall not return] Or, He should not have returned. The body of this nation shall not go for safety into Egypt, which is a friends Countrey, but they shall go into captivitie to Assyria, an enemies Countrey, and herein will I inforce them to obey my command. Deut. 17. 16.

but the Assyrian shall be his King] Or, or the Assyrian have been his King.

because] Or, but. See Deut. 28. 68.

V. 6. his branches] Or, his barres: All his forces and defences, as well those which consist in strong towns, as those which consist in the valour of men.

because of their own counsels] Chap. 10. 6. Their actions and enterprises which they have undertaken by their owne advice. Psal. 106. 43. Hos. 10. 6.

V. 7. my people are bent to back-sliding] They desire and expect that I should turn in favour to them, and relieve them, whereas they should turn to me by repentance, which they will not do.

they called them to the most High] To wit, the Prophets.

none at all would exalt him] Heb. together they exalted not.

V. 8. How shall I give thee up] Though thou deservest to be irrevocably destroyed, as those wicked cities were, Gen. 19. 24. Deut. 29. 23. yet my mercy will not suffer it, and therefore I promise thee re-establishment by meanes of the Messias. Chap. 6. 4.

Admah] Gen. 19. 24. Amos 4. 11.

mine heart is turned within me] Isa. 63. 15. Jer. 31. 20.

are kindled] Or, are heated. See Gen. 43. 30. 1 King… 3. 26. Lam. 1. 20.

V. 9. I will not execute the fiercenesse of mine anger] With extremitie of rigour, and without remission.

I will not return to destroy Ephraim] That I may save the remnant of mine elect among the people. I will not consume them wholly by redoubling of evils.

I am God] And therefore most true and immutable in all my promises. Num. 23. 19. Mal. 3. 6.

the holy One] I will be within thee present by my grace and Spirit, as thy true Deity, object of all thy devotion, religion, and adoration, and the well-spring and Author of all thy holinesse; and I will not be there any more as thine enemy.

V. 10. They shall walk after the LORD] Who shall manifest himself to them in grace and salvation in Christ.

he shall roar like a lion] Joel 3. 16. Amos 1. 2. He shall cause the powerfull voice of the Gospell to sound all the world over; by which the consciences being moved, men will gather unto him. Hag. 2. 6. 7. Heb. 12. 26.

the children shall tremble from the West] The true elect, children of grace, shall joyn themselves in spirit to the communion of the Church, from all the ends of the world, where they have been scattered.

V. 11. as a dove] Isa 60. 8.

V. 12. Ephraim compasseth me] In all their actions they are disloyall unto me.

but Judah yet ruleth] Or, when Judah yet ruled.

Judah yet ruleth with God] In the tribe of Judah, which hath not forsaken Gods pure service, there doth yet remain the lawfull government of Davids progenie.

is faithfull] Or, was faithfull. He persevereth in my covenant, holding himself to the faith and religion of his ancient forefathers; or to that which is taught them by Gods holy servants, and Prophets, and Priests.

with the saints] Or, with the most holy.

CHAP. XII.

Vers. 1. EPhraim feedeth on winde] That is, flattereth himself with vain confidence, (the Eastern winde being very tempestuous in those Countries) continuing in his sinnes, and thinking to escape Gods judgements by strang…d unlawfull covenants.

and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians] Chap. 5. 13. and 7. 11.

oyl is carried into Egypt] Isa. 30. 6. and 57. 9. Sweet smelling oyl, whereof there was great plenty in Judea; 2 Kings 20. 13. Meaning, presents to get friendship.

V. 2. The LORD hath also a controversie with Judah] That which I have spoken of Judah, is not to free him from all defects; for he also hath his grievous faults, but because Gods true service is yet remaining there, God will yet reprove and redargue him with words: but as for the ten Tribes, he will judge them with deeds, seeing they are almost become incapable of all correction.

punish] Heb. visit upon

V. 3. by the heel in the womb] Gen. 25. 26. These Histories seem to be alleadged here to reprove Israel for their ingratitude, after so many great benefits of God towards their forefathers; which he reduceth to two heads, figured here in these two histories; one is Jacobs election before Esau his brother; the other, his deliverance from all those evils wherewith God had tried and exercised him.

by his strength] Which was given him by Gods grace. A figure of the spirituall strength of faith and the Spirit.

had power] Heb. was a Prince; or, behaved himself Princely. Gen. 32. 24▪ &c.

with God] With the Sonne of God, who appeared to Jacob in a humane shape; who also by reason of his office of Mediatour, is afterward called Angel, which name is also given to the Sonne of God, Gen. 48. 16.

V. 4. he wept] This weeping may be referred to that which is said, Gen. 32. 24. and it seems it was a weeping upon some solemn request there made, as Heb. 5. 7.

he found him in Bethel] God appeared to Jacob, sleeping in Bethel, Gen. 28. 12. and in his return from Padan-Aram, Gen. 35. 9, 10, 11. and so spake with him there, that the fruit of that speech appertained to his posterity, whereof we are.

V. 5. Even the LORD God of hosts] Jehovah, which signifieth an eternall beeing, Exod. 3. 14, 15. is a name which calleth into his peoples minde the power and truth of God, and a pledge of his promises, which he will without fail perform, if they trust in him, and turn to him.

his memoriall] Exod. 3. 15.

V. 7. a Merchant] Heb. Canaan: Namely, Ephraim is degenerate, and like the wicked Canaanite, whose ordinary exercise was Merchandizing, with all the vices which were annexed unto it and therfore that name is taken for a Merchant addicted to dishonest gain, fraud, and avarice. See Ezek. 16. 3. and very often also for a deceiver.

V. 8. Yet I am become rich] Zach. 11. 5.

in all my labours, &c.] Or, all my labours suffice me not: he shall have punishment of iniquitie, in whom is sinne. I have not stained my trading with any great misdeed, onelyonly I have used certain subtilties and arts therein, as were not subject to the law. Words of a profane and cauterized conscience.

that] Heb. which.

V. 9. And I that am the LORD] Although thou be so corrupt, yet will I observe mine ancient covenant which I made in the land of Egypt, towards my true Israel in spirit. An Evangelicall promise. Chap. 13. 4.

will yet make thee to dwell in tabernacles] I will deliver my Church from the spirituall Egypt, and will make her passe through the wildernesse of the world, in particular Churches, aspiring towards the heavenly Canaan: even as my people dwelt in tents in the wildernesse: the remembrance whereof is celebrated in the feast of Tabernacles. Levit. 23. 43. See Zach. 14. 16.

V. 10. I have also spoken] If we reade it (as some do) in the future tense, then it is a promise alluding to Chap. 2. 14. meaning, I will amply manifest my self to your posteritie by my Apostles and Ministers of the Gospell. See Joel 2. 28.

used similitudes] Grave sentences and doctrines, illustrated with similitudes, according to the holy Ghosts style.

by the ministerie] Heb. by the hand.

V. 11. the iniquitie in Gilead] Chap. 6. 8.

surely they are vanitie] They are altogether drowned in idolatry.

they sacrifice] To idols, or it may be also to the true God, but beyond his command, wherefore it is all idolatry. See Hos 4. 17. and 9. 15.

in Gilgal] Chap. 4. 15. and 9. 15. Amos 4. 4. and 5. 5.

are as heaps] That is, they are innumerable, and at the end of every field. See Hos. 8. 11. and 10. 1.

V. 12. Jacob fled into the countrey of Syria] Gen. 28. 5. The meaning seems to be, Remember the first voyage, which was Jacobs, in extreme misery and servitude; and the second, (vers. 13.) which was your coming out of Egypt, by a glorious deliverance by the hands of Moses; that you may fear lest I cause you to make a third into wretched captivity.

Israel served for a wife] Gen. 29. 20, 28.

V. 13. And by a Prophet] Exod. 12. 50, 51. and 13. 3.

by a prophet was he preserved] Even like a flock of sheep. Psal. 77. 20. Isa. 63. 11.

V. 14. most bitterly] Heb. with bitternesse.

therefore shall he leave] He will not pardon him his sinne, nor cleanse him from it; but will keep it still in remembrance, to punish him for it, at his appointed time. See Ezek. 24. 7, 8.

bloud] Heb. blouds.

CHAP. XIII.

Vers. 1. VVHen Ephraim spake] Time was that the Tribe of Ephraim, having the rule of the ten Tribes, was terrible through its power; but now that it strayed, and is run into idolatry, its strength and glory is come to nothing, like unto a dead carkasse.

they sinne more and more] Heb. adde to sinne.

and have made them molten images] Chap. 2. 8. and 8. 4.

their own understanding] Chap. 9. 10.

they say of them] The Kings of the Tribe of Ephraim do command the people to follow the idolatrie which they have established. 1 Kings 12. 28.

the men that sacrifice] Or, the sacrifices of men.

kisse the Calves] Whosoever will do God 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 King. 19. 18. Job 31. 27. Psal. 2. 12.

V. 3. Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud] They shall not be stedfast, but shall quickly be dispersed and brought to nothing. Chap. 6. 4.

as the chaffe] Dan. 2. 35.

V. 4. I am the LORD thy God] Isa 43. 11. Chap. 12. 9.

from the land of Egypt] He calleth them to repentance, and reproveth their ingratitude.

V. 5. I did know thee] That is, I tooke care of thee, and provided all things necessary for thee.

in the land] Deut. 8. 15. and 32. 10.

great drought] Heb. droughts.

V. 6. According to their pasture] Through too much fatnesse and plenty, they are become fierce and masterlesse. Deut. 8. 12, 13, 14. and 32. 15. Hos. 10. 1.

V. 7. Therefore I will be unto them as a lion] I am. 3. 10. Hos. 5. 14.

as a leopard] Which useth to lie in wait to get upon a man▪ See Jer. 5. 6.

V. 8. as a bear] See 2 Sam. 17. 8. Prov. 17. 12. That is, I am become their implacable enemy.

and will rent the caul of their heart] That is, I will wound them mortally.

and there will I devour them] Namely, upon the high way; whereby are meant the instance, and times appointed for …ods judgements. See the like use of this word, Psalm. 53. 5. Eccles. 3. 17.

the wilde beast] Heb. the beast of the field.

V. 9. thou hast destroyed thy self] Many have wrought together to overthrow thee, but I alone can save thee, and not thy Kings, in whom thou hast trusted. Or, thine Idol and thy sinne.

is thine help] Heb. in thy help.

V. 10. I will be thy king] Or, Where is thy king. In these words God challengeth his Kingly power over Israel, which he had by redeeming them from Egypt, and derideth the foolish and wicked confidence in opposing the help of their idols, and confederates to his threatnings.

whom thou saidst] Some referre this to the first asking of a King, 1 Sam. 8. 5. others, to the tumultuary election of Jeroboam, 1 Kings 12. 16, 20.

V. 11. I gave] Heb. I will give. Then it is a threatning in both parts, because they perfidiously fell from God, he tels them, that he will give them into the power of a strange king, and overthrow their kingdome: fulfilled when conquered by the Assyrians, they lost both their Kingdom and Countrey, as if they had been utterly rejected by God. Others read, I do give. That is, thou seest how in a short time I set up and pull down Kings by my pleasure and indignation: for at this time there were many changes of Kings in Israel. See 2 King. 15. and 17. The most follow Jonathans Chaldee paraphrase, and read, I have given, or, gave; whereof some say, I gave thee Saul (1 Sam. 10.) in mine anger, 1 Sam. 8. 6. and I will take him away that thou now hast, namely, Hoshea the sonne of Ela, 2 Kings 17. 1, &c. in whom their Kingdom ended. Others, I have suffered thee to thy hurt and damage, to have a King, according to thine own will, though I did not approve of it, Hos. 8. 4. and I have aggravated my judgements the more upon thee, by reason of the frequent violent deaths of thy Kings, which do bring thy Kingdom into extreme ruine.

a king in mine anger] 1 Sam. 8. 5, &c. and 15. 23. and 16. 1.

V. 12. bound up] Nothing shall escape me, I will make them bear the punishment for all. See Deut. 32. 34. Job 14. 17. Jer. 17. 1.

V. 13. an unwise sonne] If this people were not foolish, they would imitate little infants, who coming into the world do helpe themselves, and strive to free themselves out of the straits and dangers of the birth; so should they have endeavoured to free themselves out of their mortall dangers and travels, by true repentance.

long] Heb. a time.

V. 14. I will ransome them] If they would but repent indeed.

the power] Heb. the hand.

O death] 1 Cor. 15. 54, 55. Meaning, that no power shall resist God, when he will deliver his, but even in death will he give them life.

I will be thy plagues] Or, where are thy plagues.

I will be thy destruction] Or, where is thy destruction.

repentance shall be hid from mine eye… ] My goodnesse toward… them shall never alter.

V. 15. Though he be fruitfull] Namely, Ephraim: He hath relation to the signification of the name Ephraim, and to the blessing which Jacob gave him. Gen. 41. 42. and 48. 19.

his brethren] To wit, the other Tribes.

an east-winde shall come] An impetuous and inevitable desolation by the Assyrians, who assaulted the land of Israel toward the wildernesse. Se Ezek. 19. 12.

winde] Or, strong winde▪ as Job 1. 16.

his spring] Figurative terms; the sense 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 fail them.

he shall spoil the treasure] Namely, the enemy (Shalmanese… King of Assyria) signified by the east winde.

pleasant vessels] Heb. vessels of desire.

V. 16. Samaria shall become desolate] See the accomplishment of this threatning, 2 King. 17. ….

their infants shall be dashed in pieces] Chap. 10. 14.

CHAP. XIIII.

Vers. 1. REturn unto the LORD] He exhorteth them to repentance, to avoid all these plagues, willing them to declare by words their obedience and repentance.

V. 2. Take with you words] I desire neither sacrifices nor offerings from you, but do you present before me a sincere confession of your sinnes, fervent prayers to obtain forgivenesse, and sincere actions of grace.

Take away all iniquitie] Pardon through thy grace, and alter by thy Spirit.

receive us graciously] Or, give good. Accept out of thy fatherly favour the true witnesses and effects of our conversion.

the calves of our lips] Declaring that this is the true sacrifice that the faithfull can offer, even thanks and praise, in stead of sacrifices of beasts. See Psal. 50. 14, 23. and 69. 30, 31. and 116. 12, 13. Heb. 13. 15.

V. 3. Ashur shall not save us] We will leave off all vain confidence and pride in humane power, and trust in thee onelyonly. See Hos▪ 5. 13. and 12. 2.

we will not ride upon horses] Psal. 20. 7. To seek relief from Egypt. Esa. 30. 16. and 31. 1.

to the work of our hands] Namely, to the idols.

the fatherlesse] To wit, every person that wanteth a guide, relief and sustenance, as we do.

V. 4. I will heal their back-sliding] He declareth how ready God is to receive them that do repent.

V. 5. I will be as the dew unto Israel] I will water them with my graces and heavenly blessings.

grow] Or, blossome.

cast forth] Heb. strike forth.

V. 6. shall spread] Heb. shall go.

and his beauty] Psal. 52. 8.

the olive-tree] Which is alway green. Psal. 52. 8.

his smell as Lebanon] A hill full of sweet smelling plants. Cant. 4. 11.

V. 7. shall return] Namely, from their exile, where they were scattered, and shall come together into the Church, in the Messias his time, and there they shall be safe under Gods protection.

they shall revive] They shall increase and have children.

grow] Or, blossome.

the sent] Heb. the memoriall, the Name of God, Hos. 12. 5. He meanes, that the knowledge of him, and his doctrine shall be alwayes most pleasing to his people, like unto excellent wine, Cant. 1. 2, 3. Or, God shall love the memory of his people very dearly.

V. 8. Ephraim shall say] Thou Ephraim shalt joyn me no more with idols, as thou hast done heretofore; I will alone be served in spirit and truth. 2 Cor. 6. 16.

I am like a green firre-tree] They shall finde in me all the good they desire; as when a tree bringeth forth good fruit, and a pleasant shade. Cant. 2. 3.

from me is thy fruit found] This may be understood of the good works of th… faithfull, brought forth in them by the onelyonly power of Gods grace and Spirit▪ Joh. 15. 2, 4.

V. 9. Who is wise] Signifying, that the true wisdom and knowledge consisteth in this, even to know and to rest upon God. Such a manner of speech is in Psal. 107. 43.

the wayes of the LORD are right] The whole conduct of his providence, his works and judgements, and also his Word and doctrine, are most holy things, and good for men, but they become an occasion of ruine and perdition to the wicked, which do abuse them through their incredulity and wickednesse. Pro. 10. 29. Luk. 2. 34. 2 Cor. 2. 16. 1 Pet. 2. 7.