Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Hosea Ch.5 / 14 Ch.s
HO:5
* The Divine judgments against Israel. (1-7) Approaching
desolations threatened. (8-15)
#1-7 The piercing eye of God saw secret liking and disposition
to sin, the love the house of Israel had to their sins, and the
dominion their sins had over them. Pride makes men obstinate in
other sins. And as Judah was treading in the same steps, they
would fall with Israel. By dealing treacherously with the Lord,
men only deceive themselves. Those that go to seek the Lord with
their flocks and their herds only, and not with their hearts and
souls, cannot expect to find him; nor shall any speed who do not
seek the Lord while he may be found. See how much it is our
concern to seek God early, now, while it is the accepted time,
and the day of salvation.
#8-15 The destruction of impenitent sinners is not mere talk, to
frighten them, it is a sentence which will not be recalled. And
it is a mercy that we have timely warning given us, that we may
flee from the wrath to come. Compliance with the commandments of
men, who thwart the commandments of God, ripens a people for
ruin. The judgments of God are sometimes to a sinful people as a
moth, and as rottenness, or as a worm; as these consume the
clothes and the wood, so shall the judgments of God consume
them. Silently, they shall think themselves safe and thriving,
but when they look into their state, shall find themselves
wasting and decaying. Slowly, for the Lord gives them space to
repent. Many a nation; as well as many a person, dies of a
consumption. Gradually, God comes upon sinners with lesser
judgments, to prevent greater, if they will be wise, and take
warning. When Israel and Judah found themselves in danger, they
sought the protection of the Assyrians, but this only helped to
make their wound the worse. They would be forced to apply to
God. He will bring them home to himself, by afflictions. When
men begin to complain more of their sins than of their
afflictions, then there begins to be some hope of them; and when
under the conviction of sin, and the corrections of the rod, we
must seek the knowledge of God. Those who are led by severe
trials to seek God earnestly and sincerely, will find him a
present help and an effectual refuge; for with him is plenteous
redemption for all who call upon him. There is solid peace, and
there only, where God is.