Hosea 11:4 - Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary

This is a sweet verse, and serves very blessedly to explain the powerful efficacy of the Lord's grace, at the same time the tenderness of the methods made use of is as plainly set forth. The cords of a man; not the yoke of the beast of labour; the bands of love; not the compulsive force of terror and fear. We have several beautiful illustrations of this: Jeremiah 31:3; Song of Solomon 1:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:14. It is a sweet doctrine of the gospel this, and thus graciously set forth. The effect produced is not by human persuasion, or human power; but by divine inducements wrought in the soul. The sinner feels constrained in the contemplation, of Jesus love, like the fragrancy of ointment to the senses, or the allurements of music to the ear. See John 12:32. And observe, the same Lord that thus drew them to his love, gave them food for their support. Yes! Jesus is both shelter and food;, the teacher and the feeder of his redeemed. He is the bread of life, and the water of life; the garment of salvation, and the whole glory of his people Israel.