9 From the days of Gibeah you have sinned , O Israel ; There they stand ! Will not the battle against the sons of iniquity overtake them in Gibeah ? 10 When it is My desire , I will chastise them; And the peoples will be gathered against them When they are bound for their double guilt . 11 Ephraim is a trained heifer that loves to thresh , But I will come over her fair neck with a yoke; I will harness Ephraim , Judah will plow , Jacob will harrow for himself. 12 Sow with a view to righteousness , Reap in accordance with kindness ; Break up your fallow ground , For it is time to seek the Lord Until He comes to rain righteousness on you. 13 You have plowed wickedness , you have reaped injustice , You have eaten the fruit of lies . Because you have trusted in your way , in your numerous warriors , 14 Therefore a tumult will arise among your people , And all your fortresses will be destroyed , As Shalman destroyed Beth-arbel on the day of battle , When mothers were dashed in pieces with their children . 15 Thus it will be done to you at Bethel because e of your great wickedness . At dawn the king of Israel will be completely cut off .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Hosea 10:9-15
Commentary on Hosea 10:9-15
(Read Hosea 10:9-15)
Because God does not desire the death and ruin of sinners, therefore in mercy he desires their chastisement. The children of iniquity still remained in Israel. The enemies would be gathered against them. It is just with God to make those know what hardships mean, who indulge themselves in ease and pleasure. Let them cleanse their hearts from all corrupt affections and lusts, and be a broken and contrite spirit. Let them abound in works of piety towards God, and of justice and charity towards one another: herein let them sow to the Spirit. Seeking the Lord is to be every day's work, but there are special occasions when to seek him. Christ shall come as the Lord our righteousness, and grant us of it abundantly. If we sow in righteousness, we shall reap according to mercy; a reward not of debt, but of grace. Even the gains of sin yield the sinner no satisfaction. As our comforts, so our confidences in the service of sin will certainly fail us. Come and seek the Lord, and thy hope in him shall not deceive thee. See what cruel work war makes. Whatever mischief is done, it is sin that does it. What miseries men's sins bring on them, even in this world!