Hosea 9:10

10. Like grapes in the wilderness As grapes unexpectedly discovered in the desert delight the heart of the weary traveler, so Israel, in the beginning, delighted the heart of Jehovah (compare Hosea 2:15; Jeremiah 2:3). In the wilderness is to be connected with like grapes, not with Israel, though there may be an allusion to Israel’s abode in the desert (Deuteronomy 32:10).

As the first-ripe in the fig tree at her first time R.V., “at its first season,” that is, when figs first begin to ripen. The appearance of the early figs is greeted with much joy, especially since they are regarded as of an extra fine quality. With similar joy Jehovah looked upon Israel; but ere long it proved a disappointment to him.

Baal-peor Equivalent to Beth-peor, or Peor (Deuteronomy 3:29; Numbers 23:28), where the Baal of Peor was worshiped (Numbers 25:3; see on Hosea 2:5); there the apostasy of Israel had its beginning.

Separated Or, R.V., “consecrated.” Shame [“shameful thing”] Hebrews bosheth Baal. Probably shame was substituted for Baal (see on Hosea 2:16, and references there).

And their abominations were according as they loved Better, R.V., “and (they) became abominable (literally, abominations), like that which they loved.” The noun is used in the place of the adjective for the sake of emphasis (G.-K., 141c) they became abomination incarnate. Worshipers inevitably grow into the image of the being they worship; thus the Israelites partook of the corrupt character of the Baal of Peor.

While the prophet does not say so, he certainly implies that the present conduct of Israel is equally abominable, for in Hosea 9:11 he proceeds to announce judgment.

Glory Not only children, but all the elements which combine to make a nation glorious wealth, prosperity, great numbers, etc. All these will vanish as swiftly as birds fly. The greatest curse will be the withholding of offspring (compare Psalms 127, 128). The three threats are arranged in the form of a climax, which is expressed more clearly in R.V., “There shall be no birth, and none with child, and no conception.” Women will not conceive; if by accident they do, the offspring will perish in the womb; if perchance it retains life it will die at birth. The judgment is one suited to sins against chastity (compare Hosea 4:11 ff.).