Verse 1

When Israel a [was] a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

(a) While the Israelites were in Egypt, and did not provoke my wrath by their malice and ingratitude.

Verse 2

[As] they called them, so they b went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.

(b) They rebelled and went a contrary way when the Prophets called them to repentance.

Verse 4

I drew them with cords c of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.

(c) That is, friendly, and not as beasts or slaves.

Verse 5

He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his d king, because they refused to return.

(d) Seeing that they condemn all this kindness, they will be led captive into Assyria.

Verse 7

And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though e they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt [him].

(e) That is, the Prophets.

Verse 8

f How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? [how] shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as g Admah? [how] shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, h my repentings are kindled together.

(f) God considers with himself, and that with a certain grief, how to punish them.

(g) Which were two of the cities that were destroyed with Sodom; (Deuteronomy 29:23).

(h) Meaning that his love with which he first loved them positioned him between doubt and assurance in terms of what to do: and in this appears his Fatherly affection, that his mercy toward his own will overcome his judgments, as he declares in the next verse.

Verse 9

I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I [am] God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not i enter into the city.

(i) To consume you, but will cause you to yield, and so have mercy on you: and this is meant of the final number who will walk after the Lord.

Verse 11

k They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria: and I will place them in their houses, saith the LORD.

(k) The Egyptians and the Assyrians will be afraid when the Lord maintains his people.

Verse 12

Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with l God, and is faithful with the saints.

(l) Governs their state according to God's word, and does not degenerate.