Matthew Poole and continuators on Hosea 10:1

1 ISrael is an empty vine , he bringeth forth fruit unto himself : according to the multitude of his fruit , he hath increased the altars , according to the goodness of his land , he hath made goodly images.

Israel and Ephraim are terms our Prophet doth ordinarily use, and they signifie the same people, the Ten Tribes revolted from the house of David, and from the true worship of God.

A Vine wasted and spoiled, that hath lost its strength to bring forth any Fruit, or that is rob'd and pill'd of the Fruit it doth bring forth; this partly for want of the Divine protection, and benediction, which they were wont to have, and partly from an inherent barrenness, and weakness in this Vine.

What ever Fruit was brought forth by its remaining strength, was not brought forth to God, for his Service and Honour; but for themselves, for their own use, for service of a State Interest, to make Presents, and to pay Tribute; or which is yet worse to maintain the worship of Idols.

When the Land yielded more plentiful increase, this plenty was impiously employed on multiplyed Idols, or on multiplyed Altars, built to the same Idols.

Of their Idols either by adding to the number of Altars, or else adding to the Numbers of Sacrifices offer'd to the Idols on their Altars.

Idolaters sottishly imagined that the goodness of their Land was a blessing on them from their Idols; thus sacrilegiously they rob'd God, and on this mistake they proceed to farther impiety.

More stately, more curiously wrought, more richly adorn'd, and it is most likely more for number too, accounting it a great Devotion to have many, and rich Statues of their Idols.

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