John Calvin Commentary Hosea 9:16

"Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay the beloved fruit of their womb." — Hosea 9:16 (ASV)

The Prophet again threatens the Israelites with extreme vengeance. It is no wonder that the same sentence is repeated so often, for, as we know, hypocrites flatter themselves too much and are not frightened even by the most severe threats. Since hypocrites are so dull, they must be often, indeed, frequently and most sharply prodded, so that they may at last be awakened from their lethargy.

Therefore, the Prophet repeats the threat he had often announced before, saying that Israel had been so struck that their root had dried up. The comparison is taken from a tree that has not only had its branches cut off but has also been torn out by the roots. The meaning is that God would inflict such vengeance on this miserable people as to destroy them completely, without any hope of recovery. The root, then, is dried up; they will produce fruit no more.

He then leaves this comparison or metaphor and says, If they generate, I will slay the desirable fruit of their womb; that is, even if some offspring are conceived, I will still destroy them.

We now, therefore, understand the Prophet's design. It was to show that the Lord would no longer be content with moderate punishment, because He had often found that this abandoned people were chastised in vain with His fatherly love. Instead, extreme vengeance awaited them, which would consume not only the men but also their children, so that no remnant would remain. The reason is added afterwards.