In the Hebrew text, Hos. commences here.
the number, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Genesis 22:17; Genesis 32:12).
children. sons. Not fulfilled in any other People, now, but will yet be, in the future, of Israel.
as the sand, &c. Figure of speech Paroemia. App-6. See note on Hosea 13:16.
cannot be measured, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Numbers 23:10).
it shall come to pass, &c. Hosea 1:10 is not "in glaring contradiction" to Hosea 1:9, but it marks the contrast between the latter (and yet future state), and the past. See the Structure, p. 1209.
ye are not My People. No People of Mine are ye. Hebrew. Lo-'ammi 'attem. Quoted in Romans 9:25, not of the Gentiles, but as an illustration of what may be true in their case as it will he in Israel's. In 1 Peter 2:10 the address is to the Diaspora: i.e. the "scattered strangers" of Israel, who are now afar off". Compare Daniel 9:7; Acts 2:32.
the living GOD. Always used in contrast with false gods, which have no life. Compare 1 Thessalonians 1:9, &c.