John Calvin Commentary Hosea 9:13

"Ephraim, like as I have seen Tyre, is planted in a pleasant place: but Ephraim shall bring out his children to the slayer." — Hosea 9:13 (ASV)

Hosea here confirms his previous statements that the Israelites vainly trusted in their present condition, for the Lord could reverse their prosperity whenever it pleased Him. We know that men harden themselves in their vices when they enjoy their wishes and when they are sunk in pleasures; for prosperity is not without reason often compared to wine, because it inebriates men; indeed, it rather makes them lose their minds.

We see what happened to the Sodomites and to others; indeed, the abuse of God’s forbearance has always been the cause of destruction to almost all the reprobate, as Paul also says. Such pride reigned in the people of Israel that they heedlessly despised all threats, as has often been stated already.

To this, then, the Prophet refers when he says, Ephraim is like a tree planted in Tyrus: yet he shall bring forth his children to the slaughter. The Prophet then points out here the indulgences of Israel, and then adds that in a short time the Lord would draw them out to judgment, though He had treated them as a precious tree, by fostering them gently and tenderly for a time.

Some render this passage thus: “I have seen Ephraim planted like Tyrus;” and they render the next word, בנוה, benue, “in pleasantness.” But since it means a house or a habitation, I am disposed to retain its proper sense. Interpreters, however, vary in their opinion, for some say, “I have seen Ephraim like Tyrus,” because an event awaits this people similar to that which happened to Tyrus; for as punishment was inflicted on Tyrus, so Ephraim shall not escape unpunished.

This is the exposition of some, but in my view, it is too refined. As, however, there is here a preposition, “ל” (lamed), I am inclined to consider “a tree” or “plant,” or some such word, as understood. Ephraim then was as if one saw a tree in Tyrus—literally, to Tyrus, or in Tyrus.

This letter, as a preposition, I allow, is redundant in many places; and yet it preserves some fitness, except when necessity interferes. And in this place, what I have already stated is the most suitable rendering: “Ephraim is like a tree planted in Tyrus, in a dwelling” or shed. Tyrus, we know, was built on an island in the sea; it had the most pleasant gardens, but not formed without much expense and labour.

It was washed on every side by the sea, and unless mounds were set up, the dwellings were confined. Since, then, it was difficult to raise trees there, much work and labour was doubtless necessary, as is usually the case, for men often struggle with nature. And if we say that Ephraim was planted like Tyrus in a dwelling, what can it mean?

We therefore say that he was like a tree preserved as in a dwelling, for we see that there are some trees which cannot bear the cold air and are kept during winter in a house to be preserved. It is probable that the Syrians, who were rich and had a lucrative trade, employed much care in rearing their trees.

The meaning is that Ephraim was like tender trees, preserved by men with great care and with much expense, but that they should in the future bring forth their children for the slaughter. This "bringing forth" is set in opposition to the "house" or "dwelling."

They had been kept safe from the cold and heat, like a tender tree under cover. But they would be forced to bring out their children to the slaughter; that is, there would no longer be any dwelling for them to protect them from the violence of their enemies, but they would be brought out into the light.

We now see that the words harmonize well with the view that the people of Israel vainly flattered themselves because they had until now been subject to no evils, and that God had preserved them free from calamity. There is no reason, the Prophet says, for the people to be proud because they had until now been so indulgently treated. For though they had been like tender trees, they would yet be forced to bring out their children to be killed.

And this comparison, which he amplifies, is what often occurs in Scripture. If Jehoiakim were as a ring on My right hand, says the Lord, I would pluck him from there. Men are accustomed to abuse even the promises of God.

As King Jehoiakim was of the posterity of David, he thought it impossible that his enemies could ever deprive him of his kingdom. “But it shall not be so; for though he were as a ring on My hand, I would pluck him from there.”

So also in this place: “Though the Israelites had until now been brought up in My bosom, and though I have kindly given them all kinds of blessings, and though they have been like tender trees, yet their condition in the future shall be entirely different.”