John Calvin Commentary Hosea 10:4

"They speak [vain] words, swearing falsely in making covenants: therefore judgment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of the field." — Hosea 10:4 (ASV)

They have spoken words, they have uttered words. Some give this explanation: that they daringly followed their own plans, as the despisers of God usually settle and determine what comes to their minds according to their own will, for they do not deign to inquire of God what is right. This is how they understand the meaning; but I view it differently—that is, that they spoke words, or very freely testified, that they would be the best and the most faithful worshipers of God. Then it follows, By swearing falsely. Some refer this to covenants. I will explain the words one by one, for I will speak later of the real meaning of the Prophet.

Then he says that they swore falsely; that is, according to some, because there was in them much frivolity and inconsistency. And indeed, I confess it to be true that they brought upon themselves severe punishments by their perjuries; but the Prophet rather means those who swore falsely to the Lord. It then follows, By cutting a covenant, by making a covenant. Here again, the Prophet no doubt reproves them for renewing their covenant with God treacherously, for it was a mere pretense. But it follows, Judgement will germinate as wormwood. Some render the word כראש, carash, as gall; but the comparison is not suitable, since the Prophet speaks here of fields, for he adds, In the furrows of the field; that is, judgment will germinate in the furrows as wormwood or some other bitter plant.

I have thus briefly explained how some understand this verse: namely, that Israel was daring and haughty in their plans, boldly determining whatever pleased them, as if God did not have the power to change what men resolve to do—and then, that they implicated themselves in many agreements, that without any faith they violated them with various nations, and that at last they had nothing but bitterness. This is their interpretation, but I rather think that the cause of God is here pleaded by the Prophet; that is, that the Israelites, as often as they promised some repentance and gave some sign of it, only pretended and lied to God. Hence he says, They have spoken words, but they were only words, for they were never from a heart touched with any feeling of God’s wrath, so as to abhor themselves for their sins. They therefore uttered words only.

He later expresses the same deceitfulness in other words: They have sworn falsely, he says, and made a covenant; which means that though they seemed to wish to return to God, it was yet a false pretense, even a perjury. When they wished to prove themselves to be especially faithful, they then sinned more severely by renewing their covenant.

Judgement shall therefore germinate as wormwood in the furrows of the field. Judgment here is to be understood as righteousness, as if the Prophet had said, “When they exhibit some appearance of religion and disguise their impieties, it indeed seems to be judgment, there seems to be some justice; but it will be at last wormwood and will germinate in the furrows of the field.”

Interpreters do not seem to me to have understood the purpose of the Prophet. For why does he say, “in the furrows of the field,” rather than in the field? This is because there is some preparation made when the field is plowed for the good seed to grow.

Therefore, when harmful weeds grow in the furrows of the land, it is less tolerable than when they grow in dry and desert places, for this usually happens naturally. But when wormwood grows up instead of wheat in the furrows—that is, on well-cultivated lands—it is more surprising and less tolerable.

We now understand what the Prophet meant. They indeed seemed at times to be touched with some feeling of piety and promised much, and were very generous with good words; they even swore and seemed prepared to renew their covenant with God—but what was all this? It was the same as if a farmer had prepared his field, and harmful weeds had grown up where he had invested much labor and toil. Such was their righteousness—a disguised form or shadow of religion; it was nothing more than wormwood growing in well-cultivated land.

Prayer:

Grant, Almighty God, that as you train us with so much diligence and assiduous care, and regard us as dear and precious like an hereditary vine—O grant, that we may not bring forth wild grapes, and that our fruit may not be bitter and unpleasant to you, but that we may strive so to form our whole life in obedience to your law, that all our actions and thoughts may be pleasant and sweet fruits to you. And as there is always some sin mixed up with our works, even when we desire to serve you sincerely and from the heart, grant that all stains in our works may be so cleansed and washed away by the sacrifice of your Son, that they may be to you sacrifices of sweet odor, through the same Christ Jesus, who has so reconciled us to you as to obtain pardon even for our works. Amen.