Hosea 7:11-16

We have here a continuation of the same subject, namely, the Lord's remonstrance with Israel. But I pray the Reader to observe, how many sweet and gracious expressions of our God are mingled with his complaints. The Lord points out indeed their unworthiness and rebellion; but he speaks of his punishments of the people as in mercy. Hence he calls these bringings down as chastisements. He saith, I have redeemed them, notwithstanding their lies. He bound and strengthened their arms, though they imagined mischief against the Lord. Surely there is a great deal of gospel in all this, and, evident proofs, that amidst all his people's forgetfulness of the Lord, the Lord hath not forgot his covenant faithfulness, nor the promises of his grace, which he had made to a thousand generations. Psalms 105:8. Reader! what a mercy it is, that we have a covenant God and Father in Christ to look to, and to trust in, who though we deny him, yet he abideth faithful, he will not deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:13.