Matthew Poole and continuators on Hosea 10:11

11 And Ephraim is as an heifer that is taught , and loveth to tread out the corn , but I passed over upon her fair neck , I will make Ephraim to ride : Judah shall plow , and Jacob shall break his clods .

An young and wanton heifer, unaccustomed to the yoke, not used to hard labour.

Used to, and so skill'd in or acquainted with.

What we do by threshing, the Iewes did by these Heifers or Oxen, tread out the Corn, and in doing this the Law provided that the Oxe should not be muzled, but should eat what it would: So it was with Ephraim, he loved that work that was so pleasant, which so well fed him: And God doth let Eph[illegible: 1 letter]aim know, that he had been very much indulged herein, God had given them all abundance and prosperity, and with little labour or care. And he expected thankfulness for it, but no such thing was done by Ephraim, he grew more insolent, untractable and perfidious.

When I found it so, I did pass over upon her fair neck, laid some lighter yoke upon her, brought some gentler afflictions upon that people to tame them, and make them serviceable, but this hath not prevailed.

I will now deal more rigorously, I will try another course, and as horses are brought to work by one that can bring them to bear, and carry the rider, so I will deal with Ephraim, I will ride on Ephraim, and tame him, i. e. by the Assyrians who should subdue and enslave them.

Iudah though less sinful hath been used to harder labour, and more rugged treats; hath plow'd when Ephraim hath reapt, yet I have spared Ephraim more.

The same in other Proverbial Speech repeated, their work at present harder, but there is an Harvest follows, though Iudah plow, and Iacob break his clods, labour hard, and for their sins suffer, yet they sow in tears when harassed by Ephraim, or going unto Babylon, and shall reap in joy at the return. But Ephraim who abused all my bounty and kindness, who workt only for his own profit shall be more severely punisht, and when he goeth forth shall return no more.

Marginal references: Heb. the bea[illegible: 1 letter]ty of her neck.