When I returned the captivity of my people.] Bp. Newcome translates, "Among those who lead away the captivity of my people." There is thy harvest; they who have led Israel into captivity shall lead thee also into the same. The Assyrians and Babylonians were the same kind of people; equally idolatrous, equally oppressive, equally cruel. From the common reading some suppose this to be a promise of return from captivity. It is true that Judah was gathered together again and brought back to their own land, but the majority of the Israelites did not return, and are not now to be found.
The Divine judgments against Israel. (Hos. 5:1-7) Approachin desolations threatened. (Hos. 5:8-15)
Hos. 5:1-7 The piercing eye of God saw secret liking and disposition to sin, the love the house of Israel had to their sins, and the dominio their sins had over them. Pride makes men obstinate in other sins. An as Judah was treading in the same steps, they would fall with Israel By dealing treacherously with the Lord, men only deceive themselves Those that go to seek the Lord with their flocks and their herds only and not with their hearts and souls, cannot expect to find him; no shall any speed who do not seek the Lord while he may be found. See ho much it is our concern to seekGod early, now, while it is the accepte time, and the day of salvation.
Hos. 5:8-15 The destruction of impenitentsinners is not mere talk, to frighten them, it is a sentence which will not be recalled. And it is mercy that we have timely warning given us, that we may flee from the wrath to come. Compliance with the commandments of men, who thwart the commandments of God, ripens a people for ruin. The judgments of God ar sometimes to a sinful people as a moth, and as rottenness, or as worm; as these consume the clothes and the wood, so shall the judgment of God consume them. Silently, they shall think themselves safe an thriving, but when they look into their state, shall find themselve wasting and decaying. Slowly, for the Lord gives them space to repent Many a nation; as well as many a person, dies of a consumption Gradually, God comes upon sinners with lesser judgments, to preven greater, if they will be wise, and take warning. When Israel and Juda found themselves in danger, they sought the protection of the Assyrians, but this only helped to make their wound the worse. The would be forced to apply to God. He will bring them home to himself, by afflictions. When men begin to complain more of their sins than of their afflictions, then there begins to be some hope of them; and when under the conviction of sin, and the corrections of the rod, we mus seek the knowledge of God. Those who are led by severe trials to see God earnestly and sincerely, will find him a present help and a effectual refuge; for with him is plenteous redemption for all who cal upon him. There is solid peace, and there only, where God is __________________________________________________________________
