Albert Barnes Commentary Hosea 7:12

"When they shall go, I will spread my net upon them; I will bring them down as the birds of the heavens; I will chastise them, as their congregation hath heard." — Hosea 7:12 (ASV)

When they go - (Literally, "according as" they go, meaning in all circumstances of time, place, or manner, whenever, wherever, or however they go) I "will spread My net upon them," so as to surround and envelop them on all sides and hold them down.

The "dove" soaring aloft, with speed like the storm-wind (Psalms 55:6–8), is a picture of freedom, independence, impetuous and unhindered, following its own course. Weak and timid, it trusts in the skillfulness with which it guides its flight to escape pursuit.

The "net," with its thin, slight meshes, signifies how weak instruments become all-sufficient in the hands of the Almighty. The same dove, brought down from its almost invisible height, fluttering weakly, helplessly, and hopelessly under those same meshes, is a picture of that same self-dependent spirit. This spirit is humiliated, overwhelmed by inevitable evils, against which it struggles powerlessly; it seems to see its escape, but is held as fast as if it lay motionless in iron.

As their congregation has heard - The message of reward for obedience and punishment for disobedience had come to Israel in many ways. It was spread throughout the Law, it fills the book of Deuteronomy, and it was concentrated in the blessing and the curse on Mount Ebal and Gerizim.

This message was also put into their mouths in the song of Moses and was taught by all the prophets who had already prophesied to them. Now, it was being enforced on that generation by Hosea himself.

Other kingdoms have fallen, but their fall, apart from Scripture, has not been the subject of prophecy. Their ruin has come largely unexpected, both by themselves and others.