Hos 1:2, 6:11 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 2. A wife of whoredoms ] That is, says Newcome , a wife from among the Israelites , who were remarkable for spiritual fornication, or idolatry. God calls himself the husband of Israel; and this chosen nation owed him the fidelity of a wife. See ; ; ; ; ; ; ; . He therefore says, with indignation, Go join thyself in marriage to one of those who have committed fornication against me, and raise up children who, by the power of example, will themselves swerve to idolatry. See . And thus show them that they are radically depraved.

‏ Hosea 1:2

Verse 2. A wife of whoredoms] That is, says Newcome, a wife from among the Israelites, who were remarkable for spiritual fornication, or idolatry. God calls himself the husband of Israel; and this chosen nation owed him the fidelity of a wife. See Ex 34:15; De 31:16; Jud 2:17; Isa 54:5; Jer 3:14; 31:32; Eze 16:17; 23:5, 27; Ho 2:5; Re 17:1, 2. He therefore says, with indignation, Go join thyself in marriage to one of those who have committed fornication against me, and raise up children who, by the power of example, will themselves swerve to idolatry. See Ho 5:7. And thus show them that they are radically depraved.

‏ Hosea 6:11

Verse 11. O Judah, he hath set a harvest for thee] Thou also hast transgressed; thy harvest will come; thou shalt be reaped down and sent into captivity. The sickle is already thrust in. That which thou hast sowed shalt thou reap. They who sow unto the flesh shall reap corruption.

When I returned the captivity of my people.] Bp. Newcome translates, "Among those who lead away the captivity of my people." There is thy harvest; they who have led Israel into captivity shall lead thee also into the same. The Assyrians and Babylonians were the same kind of people; equally idolatrous, equally oppressive, equally cruel. From the common reading some suppose this to be a promise of return from captivity. It is true that Judah was gathered together again and brought back to their own land, but the majority of the Israelites did not return, and are not now to be found.