The Chapter opens with a command to someone, and it should seem most likely to be to the Prophet, to cry aloud, in a way of reproof and expostulation. The expression is not unlike that command to Isaiah 58:1. And if we spiritualize the chapter, and for a moment lose sight of Israel of old, and read in what is here said, the Lord speaking to his Israel now; the word, under his Almighty teaching, will be very profitable. For Reader! mark verse by verse what the Lord here saith, and see if there be not too great a correspondence in God's church, and among God's people, to what Israel is here charged with. Have not we transgressed the Covenant? and trespassed against God's law? And do we not, in the midst of all this, say, as Israel did; My God, we know thee? How often have we set up idols in our hearts, as the Kings and Princes of Israel did? How often have we been seeking alliance with creature strength, and creature confidences; setting up a righteousness of our own, instead of living wholly upon Jesus and his righteousness? Reader! do you not feel the full force of the Apostle's expostulation; what then? are we better than they? No, in no wise, for we have before proved both. Jews and Gentiles that they are all under sin. Romans 3:9. Reader! it is very humbling this, but it is thus the Lord teacheth us to profit, when we read scripture with an eye to our own state in the Church's history.
Hosea 8:1-8
1 Set the trumpet to thy mouth. He shall come as an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law.
2 Israel shall cry unto me, My God, we know thee.
3 Israel hath cast off the thing that is good: the enemy shall pursue him.
4 They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.
5 Thy calf, O Samaria, hath cast thee off; mine anger is kindled against them: how long will it be ere they attain to innocency?
6 For from Israel was it also: the workman made it; therefore it is not God: but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.
7 For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk:a the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.
8 Israel is swallowed up: now shall they be among the Gentiles as a vessel wherein is no pleasure.