I do not presume to interpret those verses as with an eye to mercy only; no doubt they contain under several similitudes, tokens of the Lord's heavy judgments. But to the Ephraims of the Lord, those whom as the Lord had just before said, he knew in the wilderness, is there not reason to hope his judgments are in mercy? The Holy Ghost, though the Comforter, is no less a spirit of judgment, and a spirit of burning. Isaiah 4:4. Rending the caul of the heart is not unsimilar to taking away the heart of stone, and giving an heart of flesh. Reader! remember I do not presume to determine this point. But, when I read the whole of Hosea's prophecy together, yea, when I go on to the next verse only, and hear what is there said, methinks I behold such loving-kindness in the Lord, and such gracious expressions from Him, that I feel disposed to cry out with the Prophet, Who is a God like unto thee, etc. See Micah 7:18-20. Pray turn to Ezekiel before you turn from those verses, Ezekiel 36:16 to the end.
Related Commentaries of Hosea 13:7
Hosea 13:7-8
7 Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe them:
8 I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will rend the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wildb beast shall tear them.