Matthew Henry Commentary Hosea 7
Matthew Henry Commentary
Hosea 7
Matthew Henry Commentary
Hosea 7
"When I would heal Israel, then is the iniquity of Ephraim uncovered, and the wickedness of Samaria; for they commit falsehood, and the thief entereth in, and the troop of robbers ravageth without. And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now have their own doings beset them about; they are before my face. They make the king glad with their wickedness, and the princes with their lies. They are all adulterers; they are as an oven heated by the baker; he ceaseth to stir [the fire], from the kneading of the dough, until it be leavened. On the day of our king the princes made themselves sick with the heat of wine; he stretched out his hand with scoffers. For they have made ready their heart like an oven, while they lie in wait: their baker sleepeth all the night; in the morning it burneth as a flaming fire. They are all hot as an oven, and devour their judges; all their kings are fallen: there is none among them that calleth unto me." — Hosea 7:1-7 (ASV)
A practical disbelief in God's government was at the bottom of all Israel's wickedness; as if God could not see it or did not heed it. Their sins appeared on every side. Their hearts were inflamed by evil desires, like a heated oven. In the midst of their troubles as a nation, the people never thought of seeking help from God.
The actual wickedness of people's lives bears a very small proportion to what is in their hearts. But when lust is inwardly cherished, it will break forth into outward sin.
Those who tempt others to drunkenness can never be their real friends, and often intend their ruin. Thus people execute Divine vengeance on each other.
Those who continue to live without prayer, even when in trouble and distress, are not only heated with sin but also hardened in sin.
"Ephraim, he mixeth himself among the peoples; Ephraim is a cake not turned. Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth [it] not: yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, and he knoweth [it] not. And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: yet they have not returned unto Jehovah their God, nor sought him, for all this. And Ephraim is like a silly dove, without understanding: they call unto Egypt, they go to Assyria. 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. Woe unto them! for they have wandered from me; destruction unto them! for they have trespassed against me: though I would redeem them, yet they have spoken lies against me. And they have not cried unto me with their heart, but they howl upon their beds: they assemble themselves for grain and new wine; they rebel against me. Though I have taught and strengthened their arms, yet do they devise mischief against me. They return, but not to [him that is] on high; they are like a deceitful bow; their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue: this shall be their derision in the land of Egypt." — Hosea 7:8-16 (ASV)
Israel was as a cake not turned, half burnt and half dough, none of it fit for use; a mixture of idolatry and of the worship of Jehovah. There were signs of approaching ruin, as grey hairs are of old age, but they did not notice them.
The pride which leads to break the law of God leads to self-flattery. The mercy and grace of God are the only refuge to which obstinate sinners never think of fleeing.
Though they may howl out their terrors in the form of prayers, they seldom cry to God with their hearts. Even their prayers for earthly mercies only seek fuel for their lusts. Their turning from one sect, sentiment, form, or vice, to another, still leaves them far short of Christ and holiness.
Such are we by nature. And such we will prove if left to ourselves. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us (Psalms 51:10).
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