Hosea 10:9

From the days] RM 'more than in the days.' Gibeah] see on Hosea 9:9. The battle] RV 'that the battle.' Hosea finds a parallel between the battle of vengeance against the Benjamites in Gibeah (Judges 20) and the judgment that is coming against Israel. They remain impenitent, hoping that a similar calamity may not overtake them.

10. It.. should] RV 'when it is my desire, I will,' etc. There may be some delay, but, when God wills, the punishment must come. When.. furrows] RV 'when they are bound' (RM 'yoked') 'to their two transgressions,' usually explained of the two 'calves.' For a somewhat similar figure cp Isaiah 5:18. But translation and interpretation are both very uncertain.

11. See on Hosea 5:3. Ephraim is like a heifer accustomed only to the light work of threshing; but both she and Judah must now bear the yoke of a foreign oppressor. I passed.. neck] a rather curious but forcible way of saying, 'I have put the yoke upon her neck.' It is an instance of the prophetic past, describing as done an event only determined by God. The images which follow express the same general thought, the dominion of a foreign power.

Jacob] instead of Israel or Ephraim.

12, 13. The metaphor of ploughing leads to that of sowing and reaping. Hosea uses it to make another appeal for repentance. In the past they had devoted themselves to iniquity, and were beginning to reap the consequences. Let them now devote themselves to righteousness, and they will receive mercy. Rain righteousness] RM 'teach you righteousness.'

Trust.. way] i.e. you chose your own path instead of allowing yourselves to be directed by God. Another reading is, 'in thy chariots,' which is a better parallel to the next clause.