Hosea 10

This chapter treats of the same subject, but elegantly varied. It begins with comparing Israel to a fruitful vine but corrupted by too much prosperity, Hosea 10:1 . It next reproves and threatens them for their idolatry, Hosea 10:2 ; anarchy, Hosea 10:3 ; and breach of covenant, Hosea 10:4 . Their idolatry is then enlarged on; and its fatal consequences declared in terms full of sublimity and pathos, Hosea 10:5-8 . God is now introduced complaining of their excessive guilt; and threatening them with captivity in terms that bear a manifest allusion to their favourite idolatry, the worshiping the similitude of a calf or heifer, Hosea 10:9-11 . Upon which the prophet, in a beautiful allegory suggested by the preceding metaphors, exhorts them to repentance; and warns them of the dreadful consequences of their evil courses, if obstinately persisted in, Hosea 10:12-15 .