Hosea is supposed to have been of the kingdom of Israel. He lived and prophesied during a long period. The scope of his predictions appears to be, to detect, reprove, and convince the Jewish nation in general, and the Israelites in particular, of their many sins, particularly their idolatry: the corrupt state of the kingdom is also noticed. But he invites them to repentance, with promises of mercy, and gospel predictions of the future restoration of the Israelites and of the Jews, and their final conversion to Christianity.
Under a figure, is represented the shameful idolatry of the ten tribes. (1-7) The calling of the Gentiles, and the uniting Israel and Judah under the Messiah. (8-11)
@Verses 1-7 Israel was prosperous, yet then Hosea boldly tells them of their sins, and foretells their destruction. Men are not to be flattered in sinful ways because they prosper in the world; nor will it last long if they go on still in their trespasses. The prophet must show Israel their sin; show it to be exceedingly hateful. Their idolatry is the sin they are here charged with. Giving that glory to any creature which is due to God alone, is an injury and affront to God; such as for a wife to take a stranger, is to her husband. The Lord, doubtless, had good reasons for giving such a command to the prophet; it would form an affecting picture of the Lord's unmerited goodness and unwearied patience, and of the perverseness and ingratitude of Israel. We should be broken and wearied with half that perverseness from others, with which we try the patience and grieve the Spirit of our God. Let us also be ready to bear any cross the Lord appoints. The prophet must show the ruin of the people, in the names given to his children. He foretells the fall of the royal family in the name of his first child: call his name Jezreel, which signifies "dispersion." He foretells God's abandoning the nation in the name of the second child; Lo-ruhamah, "not beloved," or "not having obtained mercy." God showed great mercy, but Israel abused his favours. Sin turns away the mercy of God, even from Israel, his own professing people. If pardoning mercy is denied, no other mercy can be expected. Though some, through unbelief, are broken off, yet God will have a church in this world till the end of time. Our salvation is owing to God's mercy, not to any merit of our own. That salvation is sure, of which he is the Author; and if he will work, none shall hinder.
@Verses 8-11
The rejection of Israel for a time, is signified by the
name of another child: call him Lo-ammi, "not my people." The
Lord disowns all relation to them. We love him, because he first
loved us; but our being cast out of covenant, is owing to
ourselves and our folly. Mercy is remembered in the midst of
wrath; the rejection, as it shall not be total, so it shall not
be final. The same hand that wounded, is stretched forth to
heal. Very precious promises are here given concerning the
Israel of God, and they may be of use to us now. Some think that
these promises will not have accomplishment in full, till the
general conversion of the Jews in the latter days. Also this
promise is applied to the gospel, and the bringing in both the
Jews and Gentiles to it, by St. Paul,
@romans 9:25,26
, and by St.
@1 peter
Head, and willingly to commit ourselves to his guidance and
government. And let us pray for the coming of the glorious day,
when there shall be one Lord through all the earth.
The idolatry of the people. (1-5) God's judgments against
them. (6-13) His promises of reconciliation. (14-23)
@Verses 1-5
This chapter continues the figurative address to Israel, in
reference to Hosea's wife and children. Let us own and love as
brethren, all whom the Lord seems to put among his children, and
encourage them in that they have received mercy. But every
Christian, by his example and conduct, must protest against evil
and abuses, even among those to whom he belongs and owes
respect. Impenitent sinners will soon be stripped of the
advantages they misuse, and which they consume upon their lusts.
@Verses 6-13
God threatens what he would do with this treacherous,
idolatrous people. They did not turn, therefore all this came
upon them; and it is written for admonition to us. If lesser
difficulties be got over, God will raise greater. The most
resolute in sinful pursuits, are commonly most crossed in them.
The way of God and duty is often hedged about with thorns, but
we have reason to think it is a sinful way that is hedged up
with thorns. Crosses and obstacles in an evil course are great
blessings, and are to be so accounted; they are God's hedges, to
keep us from transgressing, to make the way of sin difficult,
and to keep us from it. We have reason to bless God for
restraining grace, and for restraining providences; and even for
sore pain, sickness, or calamity, if it keeps us from sin. The
disappointments we meet with in seeking for satisfaction from
the creature, should, if nothing else will do it, drive us to
the Creator. When men forget, or consider not that their
comforts come from God, he will often in mercy take them away,
to bring them to think upon their folly and danger. Sin and
mirth can never hold long together; but if men will not take
away sin from their mirth, God will take away mirth from their
sin. And if men destroy God's word and ordinances, it is just
with him to destroy their vines and fig-trees. This shall be the
ruin of their mirth. Taking away the solemn seasons and the
sabbaths will not do it, they will readily part with them, and
think it no loss; but He will take away their sensual pleasures.
Days of sinful mirth must be visited with days of mourning.
@Verses 14-23
After these judgments the Lord would deal with Israel
more gently. By the promise of rest in Christ we are invited to
take his yoke upon us; and the work of conversion may be
forwarded by comforts as well as by convictions. But usually the
Lord drives us to despair of earthly joy, and help from
ourselves, that, being shut from every other door, we may knock
at Mercy's gate. From that time Israel would be more truly
attached to the Lord; no longer calling him Baali, or "My lord
and master," alluding to authority, rather than love, but Ishi,
an address of affection. This may foretell the restoration from
the Babylonish captivity; and also be applied to the conversion
of the Jews to Christ, in the days of the apostles, and the
future general conversion of that nation; and believers are
enabled to expect infinitely more tenderness and kindness from
their holy God, than a beloved wife can expect from the kindest
husband. When the people were weaned from idols, and loved the
Lord, no creature should do them any harm. This may be
understood of the blessings and privileges of the spiritual
Israel, of every true believer, and their partaking of Christ's
righteousness; also, of the conversion of the Jews to Christ.
Here is an argument for us to walk so that God may not be
dishonoured by us: Thou art my people. If a man's family walk
disorderly, it is a dishonour to the master. If God call us
children, we may say, Thou art our God. Unbelieving soul, lay
aside discouraging thoughts; do not thus answer God's
loving-kindness. Doth God say, Thou art my people? Say, Lord,
thou art our God.
The prophet enters into a new contract, representing the
gracious manner in which God will again restore Israel under a
new covenant.
@Verses 1-3
The dislike of men to true religion is because they love
objects and forms, which allow them to indulge, instead of
mortifying their lusts. How wonderful that a holy God should
have good-will to those whose carnal mind is enmity against Him!
Here is represented God's gracious dealings with the fallen race
of mankind, that had gone from him. This is the covenant of
grace he is willing to enter into with them, they must be to him
a people, and he will be to them a God. They must accept the
punishment of their sin, and must not return to folly. And it is
a certain sign that our afflictions are means of good to us,
when we are kept from being overcome by the temptations of an
afflicted state.
@Verses 4-5
Here is the application of the parable to Israel. They must
long sit like a widow, stripped of all joys and honours; but
shall at length be received again. Those that would seek the
Lord so as to find him, must apply to Christ, and become his
willing people. Not only are we to fear the Lord and his
greatness, but the Lord and his goodness; not only his majesty,
but his mercy. Even Jewish writers apply this passage to the
promised Messiah; doubtless it foretold their future conversion
to Christ, for which they are kept a separate people. Though the
first fear of God arise from a view of his holy majesty and
righteous vengeance, yet the experience of mercy and grace
through Jesus Christ, will lead the heart to reverence so kind
and glorious a Friend and Father, and to fear offending him.
God's judgments against the sins of the people. (1-5) and of
the priests. (6-11) Idolatry is reproved, and Judah is
admonished. (12-19)
@Verses 1-5
Hosea reproves for immorality, as well as idolatry. There
was no truth, mercy, or knowledge of God in the land: it was
@2 kings
which would desolate the country. Our sins, as separate persons,
as a family, as a neighbourhood, as a nation, cause the Lord to
have a controversy with us; let us submit and humble ourselves
before Him, that he may not go on to destroy.
@Verses 6-11
Both priests and people rejected knowledge; God will
justly reject them. They forgot the law of God, neither desired
nor endeavoured to retain it in mind, and to transmit the
remembrance to their posterity; therefore God will justly forget
them and their children. If we dishonour God with that which is
our honour, it will, sooner or later, be turned into shame to
us. Instead of warning the people against sin, from the
consideration of the sacrifices, which showed what an offence
sin was to God, since it needed an atonement, the priests
encouraged the people to sin, since atonement might be made at
so small an expense. It is very wicked to be pleased with the
sins of others, because they may turn to our advantage. What is
unlawfully gained, cannot be comfortably used. The people and
the priests hardened one another in sin; therefore justly shall
they share in the punishment. Sharers in sin must expect to
share in ruin. Any lust harboured in the heart, in time will eat
out all its strength and vigour. That is the reason why many
professors grow so heavy, so dull, so dead in the way of
religion. They have a liking for some secret lust, which takes
away their hearts.
@Verses 12-19
The people consulted images, and not the Divine word.
This would lead to disorder and sin. Thus men prepare scourges
for themselves, and vice is spread through a people. Let not
Judah come near the idolatrous worship of Israel. For Israel was
devoted to idols, and must now be let alone. When sinners cast
off the easy yoke of Christ, they go on in sin till the Lord
saith, Let them alone. Then they receive no more warnings, feel
no more convictions: Satan takes full possession of them, and
they ripen for destruction. It is a sad and sore judgment for
any man to be let alone in sin. Those who are not disturbed in
their sin, will be destroyed for their sin. May we be kept from
this awful state; for the wrath of God, like a strong tempest,
will soon hurry impenitent sinners into ruin.
The Divine judgments against Israel. (1-7) Approaching
desolations threatened. (8-15)
@Verses 1-7
The piercing eye of God saw secret liking and disposition
to sin, the love the house of Israel had to their sins, and the
dominion their sins had over them. Pride makes men obstinate in
other sins. And as Judah was treading in the same steps, they
would fall with Israel. By dealing treacherously with the Lord,
men only deceive themselves. Those that go to seek the Lord with
their flocks and their herds only, and not with their hearts and
souls, cannot expect to find him; nor shall any speed who do not
seek the Lord while he may be found. See how much it is our
concern to seek God early, now, while it is the accepted time,
and the day of salvation.
@Verses 8-15
The destruction of impenitent sinners is not mere talk, to
frighten them, it is a sentence which will not be recalled. And
it is a mercy that we have timely warning given us, that we may
flee from the wrath to come. Compliance with the commandments of
men, who thwart the commandments of God, ripens a people for
ruin. The judgments of God are sometimes to a sinful people as a
moth, and as rottenness, or as a worm; as these consume the
clothes and the wood, so shall the judgments of God consume
them. Silently, they shall think themselves safe and thriving,
but when they look into their state, shall find themselves
wasting and decaying. Slowly, for the Lord gives them space to
repent. Many a nation; as well as many a person, dies of a
consumption. Gradually, God comes upon sinners with lesser
judgments, to prevent greater, if they will be wise, and take
warning. When Israel and Judah found themselves in danger, they
sought the protection of the Assyrians, but this only helped to
make their wound the worse. They would be forced to apply to
God. He will bring them home to himself, by afflictions. When
men begin to complain more of their sins than of their
afflictions, then there begins to be some hope of them; and when
under the conviction of sin, and the corrections of the rod, we
must seek the knowledge of God. Those who are led by severe
trials to seek God earnestly and sincerely, will find him a
present help and an effectual refuge; for with him is plenteous
redemption for all who call upon him. There is solid peace, and
there only, where God is.
An exhortation to repentance. (1-3) Israel's instability and
breach of the covenant. (4-11)
@Verses 1-3
Those who have gone from God by consent, and in a body,
drawing one another to sin, should, by consent and in a body,
return to him, which will be for his glory, and their good. It
will be of great use for support under afflictions, and to
encourage our repentance, to keep up good thoughts of God, and
of his purposes and designs concerning us. Deliverance out of
trouble should be to them as life from the dead. God will revive
them: the assurance of this should engage them to return to him.
But this seems to have a further reference to the resurrection
of Jesus Christ. Let us admire the wisdom and goodness of God,
that when the prophet foretold the deliverance of the church out
of her troubles, he should point out our salvation by Christ;
and now these words are fulfilled in the resurrection of Christ,
it confirms our faith, that this is He that should come and we
are to look for no other. Here is a precious blessing promised;
this is life eternal, to know God. The returns of the favour of
God are secured to us as firmly as the return of the morning
after a dark night. He shall come to us as the latter and former
rain unto the earth, which refreshes it, and makes it fruitful.
The grace of God in Christ is both the latter and the former
rain; and by it the good work of our fruit-bearing is begun and
carried on. And as the Redeemer was raised from the grave, so
will He revive the hearts and hopes of all that trust in him.
The feeblest glimpse of hope in his word, is a sure earnest of
increasing light and comfort, which shall be attended with
purifying, comforting grace that makes fruitful.
@Verses 4-11
Sometimes Israel and Judah seemed disposed to repent under
their sufferings, but their goodness vanished like the empty
morning cloud, and the early dew, and they were as vile as ever.
Therefore the Lord sent awful messages by the prophets. The word
of God will be the death either of the sin or of the sinner. God
desired mercy rather than sacrifice, and that knowledge of him
which produces holy fear and love. This exposes the folly of
those who trust in outward observances, to make up for their
want of love to God and man. As Adam broke the covenant of God
in paradise, so Israel had broken his national covenant,
notwithstanding all the favours they received. Judah also was
ripe for Divine judgments. May the Lord put his fear into our
hearts, and set up his kingdom within us, and never leave us to
ourselves, nor suffer us to be overcome by temptation.
The manifold sins of Israel. (1-7) Their senselessness and
hypocrisy. (8-16)
@Verses 1-7
A practical disbelief of God's government was at the bottom
of all israel's wickedness; as if God could not see it or did
not heed it. Their sins appear on every side of them. Their
hearts were inflamed by evil desires, like a heated oven. In the
midst of their troubles as a nation, the people never thought of
seeking help from God. The actual wickedness of men's lives
bears a very small proportion to what is in their hearts. But
when lust is inwardly cherished, it will break forth into
outward sin. Those who tempt others to drunkenness never can be
their real friends, and often design their ruin. Thus men
execute the Divine vengeance on each other. Those are not only
heated with sin, but hardened in sin, who continue to live
without prayer, even when in trouble and distress.
@Verses 8-16
Israel was as a cake not turned, half burnt and half
dough, none of it fit for use; a mixture of idolatry and of the
worship of Jehovah. There were tokens of approaching ruin, as
grey hairs are of old age, but they noticed them not. The pride
which leads to break the law of God leads to self-flattery. The
mercy and grace of God are the only refuge to which obstinate
sinners never think of fleeing. Though they may howl forth their
terrors in the form of prayers, they seldom cry to God with
their hearts. Even their prayers for earthly mercies only seek
fuel for their lusts. Their turning from one sect, sentiment,
form, or vice, to another, still leaves them far short of Christ
and holiness. Such are we by nature. And such shall we prove if
left to ourselves. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew
a right spirit within us.
Destruction threatened for the impiety of Israel. (1-4) For
their idolatry. (5-10) Further threatenings for the same sins.
(11-14)
@Verses 1-4
When Israel was hard pressed, they would claim protection
from God, but this would be disregarded. What stead will it
stand in to say, My God, I know thee, if we cannot say, My God,
I love thee, serve thee, and cleave to thee only?
@Verses 5-10
They promised themselves plenty, peace, and victory, by
worshipping idols, but their expectations came to nothing. What
they sow has no stalk, no blade, or, if it have, the bud shall
yield no fruit, there was nothing in them. The works of darkness
are unfruitful; nay, the end of those things is death. The hopes
of sinners will deceive them, and their gains will be snares. In
times of danger, especially in the day of judgment, all carnal
devices will fail. They take a course by themselves, and like a
wild ass by himself, they will be the easier and surer prey for
the lion. Man is in nothing more like the wild ass's colt, than
in seeking for that succour and that satisfaction in the
creature, which are to be had in God only. Though men may sorrow
a little, yet if it is not after a godly sort, they will be
brought to sorrow everlastingly.
@Verses 11-14
It is a great sin to corrupt the worship of God, and will
be charged as sin on all who do it, how plausible soever their
excuses may seem to be. The Lord had caused his law to be
written for them, but they cared not to know, and would not obey
it. Man seems by the temples he builds to be mindful of his
Maker, yet really he has forgotten him, because he has cast off
all his fear; but none ever hardened his heart against God and
prospered. So long as men despise the truths and precepts of
God's word, and the ordinances of his worship, all the
observances and offerings, however costly, of their own
devising, will be unto them for sin; for those services only are
acceptable to God, which are done according to his word, and
through Jesus Christ.
The distress to come upon Israel. (1-6) The approach of the
day of trouble. (7-10) Judgments on Israel. (11-17)
@Verses 1-6
Israel gave rewards to their idols, in the offerings
presented to them. It is common for those who are niggardly in
religion, to be prodigal upon their lusts. Those are reckoned as
idolaters, who love a reward in the corn-floor better than a
reward in the favour of God and in eternal life. They are full
of the joy of harvest, and have no disposition to mourn for sin.
When we make the world, and the things of it, our idol and our
portion, it is just with God to show us our folly, and correct
us. None may expect to dwell in the Lord's land, who will not be
subject to the Lord's laws, or be influenced by his love. When
we enjoy the means of grace, we ought to consider what we shall
do, if they should be taken from us. While the pleasures of
communion with God are out of the reach of change, the pleasant
places purchased with silver, or in which men deposit silver,
are liable to be laid in ruins. No famine is so dreadful as that
of the soul.
@Verses 7-10
Time had been when the spiritual watchmen of Israel were
with the Lord, but now they were like the snare of a fowler to
entangle persons to their ruin. The people were become as
corrupt as those of Gibeah,
@judges 19
; and their crimes should be
visited in like manner. At first God had found Israel pleasing
to Him, as grapes to the traveller in the wilderness. He saw
them with pleasure as the first ripe figs. This shows the
delight God took in them; yet they followed after idolatry.
11-17. God departs from a people, or from a person, when he
withdraws his goodness and mercy from them; and when the Lord is
departed, what can the creature do? Even though, for the
present, good things seem to remain, yet the blessing is gone if
God is gone. Even the children should perish with the parents.
The Divine wrath dries up the root, and withers the fruit of all
comforts; and the scattered Jews daily warn us to beware, lest
we neglect or abuse the gospel. Yet every smiting is not a
drying up of the root. It may be that God intends only to smite
so that the sap may be turned to the root, that there may be
more of root graces, more humility, patience, faith, and
self-denial. It is very just that God should bring judgments on
those who slight his offered mercy.
The idolatry of Israel. (1-8) They are exhorted to repentance.
(9-15)
@Verses 1-8
A vine is only valuable for its fruit; but Israel now
brought no fruit to perfection. Their hearts were divided. God
is the Sovereign of the heart; he will have all, or none. Were
the stream of the heart wholly after God, it would run strongly,
and bear down all before it. Their pretences to covenant with
God were false. Even the proceeding of justice was as poisonous
hemlock. Alas, how empty a vine is the visible church even at
this day! But all earthly prosperity is but a collection of
bubbles, soon destroyed like foam upon the water. Sinners will
in vain seek shelter from that Judge, whom they now despise as a
Saviour.
@Verses 9-15
Because God does not desire the death and ruin of sinners,
therefore in mercy he desires their chastisement. The children
of iniquity still remained in Israel. The enemies would be
gathered against them. It is just with God to make those know
what hardships mean, who indulge themselves in ease and
pleasure. Let them cleanse their hearts from all corrupt
affections and lusts, and be a broken and contrite spirit. Let
them abound in works of piety towards God, and of justice and
charity towards one another: herein let them sow to the Spirit.
Seeking the Lord is to be every day's work, but there are
special occasions when to seek him. Christ shall come as the
Lord our righteousness, and grant us of it abundantly. If we sow
in righteousness, we shall reap according to mercy; a reward not
of debt, but of grace. Even the gains of sin yield the sinner no
satisfaction. As our comforts, so our confidences in the service
of sin will certainly fail us. Come and seek the Lord, and thy
hope in him shall not deceive thee. See what cruel work war
makes. Whatever mischief is done, it is sin that does it. What
miseries men's sins bring on them, even in this world!
God's regard for Israel; their ingratitude. (1-7) The Divine
mercy yet in store. (8-12)
@Verses 1-7
When Israel were weak and helpless as children, foolish and
froward as children, then God loved them; he bore them as the
nurse does the sucking child, nourished them, and suffered their
manners. All who are grown up, ought often to reflect upon the
goodness of God to them in their childhood. He took care of
them, took pains with them, not only as a father, or a tutor,
but as a mother, or nurse. When they were in the wilderness, God
showed them the way in which they should go, and bore them up,
taking them by the arms. He taught them the way of his
commandments by the ceremonial law given by Moses. He took them
by the arms, to guide them, that they might not stray, and to
hold them up, that they might not stumble and fall. God's
spiritual Israel are all thus supported. It is God's work to
draw poor souls to himself; and none can come to him except he
draw them. With bands of love; this word signifies stronger
cords than the former. He eased them of the burdens they had
long groaned under. Israel is very ungrateful to God. God's
counsels would have saved them, but their own counsels ruined
them. They backslide; there is no hold of them, no stedfastness
in them. They backslide from me, from God, the chief good. They
are bent to backslide; they are ready to sin; they are forward
to close with every temptation. Their hearts are fully set in
them to do evil. Those only are truly happy, whom the Lord
teaches by his Spirit, upholds by his power, and causes to walk
in his ways. By his grace he takes away the love and dominion of
sin, and creates a desire for the blessed feast of the gospel,
that they may feed thereon, and live for ever.
@Verses 8-12
God is slow to anger, and is loth to abandon a people to
utter ruin, who have been called by his name. When God was to
give a sacrifice for sin, and a Saviour for sinners, he spared
not his own Son, that he might spare us. This is the language of
the day of his patience; but when men sin that away, then the
great day of his wrath comes. Man's compassions are nothing in
comparison with the tender mercies of our God, whose thoughts
and ways, in receiving returning sinners, are as much above ours
as heaven is above the earth. God knows how to pardon poor
sinners. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and
therein declares his righteousness, now Christ has purchased the
pardon, and he has promised it. Holy trembling at the word of
Christ will draw us to him, not drive us from him, the children
tremble, and flee to him. And all that come at the gospel call,
shall have a place and a name in the gospel church. The
religious service of Israel were mere hypocrisy, but in Judah
regard was had to God's laws, and the people followed their
pious forefathers. Let us be faithful: those who thus honour
God, he will honour, but such us despise Him shall be lightly
esteemed.
Judah and Israel reminded of the Divine favours. (1-6) The
provocations of Israel. (7-14)
@Verses 1-6
Ephraim feeds himself with vain hopes of help from man,
when he is at enmity with God. The Jews vainly thought to secure
the Egyptians by a present of the produce of their country.
Judah is contended with also. God sees the sin of his own
people, and will reckon with them for it. They are put in mind
of what Jacob did, and what God did for him. When his faith upon
the Divine promise prevailed above his fears, then by his
strength he had power with God. He is Jehovah, the same that
was, and is, and is to come. What was a revelation of God to
one, is his memorial to many, to all generations. Then let those
who have gone from God, be turned to him. Turn thou to the Lord,
by repentance and faith, as thy God. Let those that are
converted to him, walk with him in all holy conversation and
godliness. Let us wrestle with Him for promised blessings,
determined not to give over till we prevail; and let us seek Him
in his ordinances.
@Verses 7-14
Ephraim became a merchant: the word also signifies a
Canaanite. They carried on trade upon Canaanitish principles,
covetously and with fraud and deceit. Thus they became rich, and
falsely supposed that Providence favoured them. But shameful
sins shall have shameful punishments. Let them remember, not
only what a mighty prince Jacob was with God, but what a servant
he was to Laban. The benefits we have had from the word of God,
make our sin and folly the worse, if we put any slight upon that
word. We had better follow the hardest labour in poverty, than
grow rich by sin. We may form a judgment of our own conduct, by
comparing it with that of ancient believers in the like
circumstances. Whoever despises the message of God, will perish.
May we all hear his word with humble, obedient faith.
The abuse of God's favour leads to punishment. (1-8) A promise
of God's mercy. (9-16)
@Verses 1-8
While Ephraim kept up a holy fear of God, and worshipped
Him in that fear, so long he was very considerable. When Ephraim
forsook God, and followed idolatry, he sunk. Let the men that
sacrifice kiss the calves, in token of their adoration of them,
affection for them, and obedience to them; but the Lord will not
give his glory to another, and therefore all that worship images
shall be confounded. No solid, lasting comfort, is to be
expected any where but in God. God not only took care of the
Israelites in the wilderness, he put them in possession of
Canaan, a good land; but worldly prosperity, when it feeds men's
pride, makes them forgetful of God. Therefore the Lord would
meet them in just vengeance, as the most terrible beast that
inhabited their forests. Abused goodness calls for greater
severity.
@Verses 9-16
Israel had destroyed himself by his rebellion; but he
could not save himself, his help was from the Lord only. This
may well be applied to the case of spiritual redemption, from
that lost state into which all have fallen by wilful sins. God
often gives in displeasure what we sinfully desire. It is the
happiness of the saints, that, whether God gives or takes away,
all is in love. But it is the misery of the wicked, that,
whether God gives or takes away, it is all in wrath, nothing is
comfortable. Except sinners repent and believe the gospel,
anguish will soon come upon them. The prophecy of the ruin of
Israel as a nation, also showed there would be a merciful and
powerful interposition of God, to save a remnant of them. Yet
this was but a shadow of the ransom of the true Israel, by the
death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. He will destroy death
and the grave. The Lord would not repent of his purpose and
promise. Yet, in the mean time, Israel would be desolated for
her sins. Without fruitfulness in good works, springing from the
Holy Spirit, all other fruitfulness will be found as empty as
the uncertain riches of the world. The wrath of God will wither
its branches, its sprigs shall be dried up, it shall come to
nothing. Woes, more terrible than any from the most cruel
warfare, shall fall on those who rebel against God. From such
miseries, and from sin, the cause of them, may the Lord deliver
us.
An exhortation to repentance. (1-3) Blessings promised,
showing the rich comforts of the gospel. (4-8) The just and the
wicked. (9)
@Verses 1-3
Israel is exhorted to return unto Jehovah, from their sins
and idols, by faith in his mercy, and grace through the promised
Redeemer, and by diligently attending on his worship and
service. Take away iniquity; lift it off as a burden we are
ready to sink under, or as the stumbling-block we have often
fallen over. Take it all away by a free and full forgiveness,
for we cannot strike any of it off. Receive our prayer
graciously. They do not say what good they seek, but refer it to
God. It is not good of the world's showing, but good of God's
giving. They were to consider their sins, their wants, and the
remedy; and they were to take, not sacrifices, but words stating
the desires of their hearts, and with them to address the Lord.
The whole forms a clear description of the nature and tendency
of a sinner's conversion to God through Jesus Christ. As we draw
near to God by the prayer of faith, we should first beseech him
to teach us what to ask. We must be earnest with him to take
away all iniquity.
@Verses 4-8
Israel seeks God's face, and they shall not seek it in
vain. His anger is turned from them. Whom God loves, he loves
freely; not because they deserve it, but of his own good
pleasure. God will be to them all they need. The graces of the
Spirit are the hidden manna, hidden in the dew; the grace thus
freely bestowed on them shall not be in vain. They shall grow
upward, and be more flourishing; shall grow as the lily. The
lily, when come to its height, is a lovely flower,
@matthew 6:28,29
.
They shall grow downward, and be more firm. With the flower of
the lily shall be the strong root of the cedar of Lebanon.
Spiritual growth consists most in the growth of the root, which
is out of sight. They shall also spread as the vine, whose
branches extend very widely. When believers abound in good
works, then their branches spread. They shall be acceptable both
to God and man. Holiness is the beauty of a soul. The church is
compared to the vine and the olive, which bring forth useful
fruits. God's promises pertain to those only that attend on his
ordinances; not such as flee to this shadow only for shelter in
a hot gleam, but all who dwell under it. When a man is brought
to God, all who dwell under his shadow fare the better. The
sanctifying fruits shall appear in his life. Thus believers grow
up into the experience and fruitfulness of the gospel. Ephraim
shall say, God will put it into his heart to say it, What have I
to do any more with idols! God's promises to us are more our
security and our strength for mortifying sin, than our promises
to God. See the power of Divine grace. God will work such a
change in him, that he shall loathe the idols as much as ever he
loved them. See the benefit of sanctified afflictions. Ephraim
smarted for his idolatry, and this is the fruit, even the taking
away his sin,
@isaiah 27:9
. See the nature of repentance; it is a
firm and fixed resolution to have no more to do with sin. The
Lord meets penitents with mercy, as the father of the prodigal
met his returning son. God will be to all true converts both a
delight and a defence; they shall sit under his shadow with
delight. And as the root of a tree; From me is thy fruit found:
from Him we receive grace and strength to enable us to do our
duty.
@Verse 9
Who profit by the truths the prophet delivered? Such as set
themselves to understand and know these things. The ways of
God's providence towards us are right; all is well done. Christ
is a Foundation Stone to some, to others a Stone of stumbling,
and a Rock of offence. That which was ordained to life, becomes,
through their abuse of it, death to them. The same sun softens
wax and hardens clay. But those transgressors certainly have the
most dangerous, fatal falls, who fall in the ways of God, who
split on the Rock of Ages, and suck poison out of the Balm of
Gilead. Let sinners in Zion fear this. May we learn to walk in
the right ways of God, as his righteous servants, and may none
of us be disobedient and unbelieving, and stumble at the word.
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
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