Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt. Ver. 1. _Ephraim feedeth on wind_] Slender feeding; unless Ephraim were of the chameleon kind: _quippe nec cor auro sat... [ Continue Reading ]
The LORD hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him. Ver. 2. _The Lord hath also a controversy with Judah_] Lest the prophet should be thought partial in the law, Malachi 2:9, _See Trapp on "_ Mal 2:9 _"_ and lest... [ Continue Reading ]
_He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God:_ Ver. 3. _He took his brother by the heel in the womb_] To have hindered him if he could of the first birthright; so desirous he showed himself so soon of that desirable privilege and the promises annexed. When... [ Continue Reading ]
Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him [in] Bethel, and there he spake with us; Ver. 4. _Yea, he had power over the angel_] That Angel of the covenant, Malachi 3:1, the Angel of the great council (μεγαλης βουλης αγγελος), as the Sevent... [ Continue Reading ]
Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD [is] his memorial. Ver. 5. _Even the Lord God of hosts_] Lo, he it is who promised, who spake with us at Bethel; even that Jehovah, who is himself unchangeable and Almighty; whose promises are eternal and infallible; who will perform with his hand what he hath s... [ Continue Reading ]
Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually. Ver. 6. _Therefore turn thou to thy God_] The premises considered, repent; and so return to God, from whom thou hast deeply revolted. It is "to thy God" to whom thou art exhorted to turn; not to a tyrant, but... [ Continue Reading ]
Hosea 12:7 [He is] a merchant, the balances of deceit [are] in his hand: he loveth to oppress. Ver. 7. _He is a merchant_] Heb. He is Canaan that is, a mere natural man, Ezekiel 16:3, money merchant, who, so he may have it, careth not how he comes by it; he is more like a Canaanite than a Jacobite.... [ Continue Reading ]
And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich, I have found me out substance: [in] all my labours they shall find none iniquity in me that [were] sin. Ver. 8. _And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich_] _Sed mihi plaudo domi._ I have it howsoever though I hear ill for it; though the prophet inveigh against... [ Continue Reading ]
And I [that am] the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt will yet make thee to dwell in tabernacles, as in the days of the solemn feast. Ver. 9. _And I that am thy Lord God from the land of Egypt_] This seemeth to be interlaced for the comfort of the better sort, that trembled at the former threaten... [ Continue Reading ]
I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets. Ver. 10. _I have also spoken by the prophets_] And not suffered you to walk in your own ways, as did all other nations, Acts 14:16. The ministry is a singular mercy, however now... [ Continue Reading ]
Hosea 12:11 [Is there] iniquity [in] Gilead? surely they are vanity: they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars [are] as heaps in the furrows of the fields. Ver. 11. _Is there iniquity in Gilead_] What, in Gilead, a city of priests? Hos 6:8 _See Trapp on "_ Hos 6:8 _"_ yea, Gilead is a ci... [ Continue Reading ]
And Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept [sheep]. Ver. 12. _And Jacob fled into the country of Syria_] Jacob, in whom ye glory, was a poor forlorn fugitive, glad to run for his life, and to take hard on for his livelihood, Genesis 28:1,22; Genes... [ Continue Reading ]
And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved. Ver. 13. _And by a prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt_] That is, Gilead served as a sanctuary unto Jacob, when he fled from Laban. In Gilgal also God by Joshua renewed his covenant with your fathers,... [ Continue Reading ]
Ephraim provoked [him] to anger most bitterly: therefore shall he leave his blood upon him, and his reproach shall his Lord return unto him. Ver. 14. _Ephraim hath provoked him to anger, most bitterly_] Heb. with bitterness, or unto bitter displeasure, or with bitter things, that is, sins that embi... [ Continue Reading ]