Matthew Poole and continuators on Hosea 10:5

5 The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Beth-aven : for the people thereof shall mourn over it , and the priests thereof that rejoiced on it , for the glory thereof because it is departed from it .

The Citizens who dwelt yet safe in Samaria, but knew that the Assyrian invaded the Kingdom, beat Israel's Army, and took his City; these Idolatrous Citizens, were in bodily fear for their Gods, lest the Assyrians should rudely spoil their Godships.

Some give the reason of their fear, because they had sined by these Calves, and provoked God, therefore should this fear seize them; but 'tis more likely this doth speak the object of the Samaritans fears, their Cow-calves (as by way of contempt in the Hebr.) were the goodly Deities they were afraid for, yet they trusted in these for aid against Enemies; and now fear they have not power enough to defend themselves; what brutes are Idolaters! Of this Beth-aven principal Seat of the Calf God, see cap. 4.15. let. f.

They who dwelt at Beth-aven, who had gain and profit by the Idol; to which many resorted; or else they that were addicted to this Idol, worshipt it, and trusted in it.

Howl and cry over the endanger'd God; so let all their sorrows be multiplyed that hasten after any strange God.

That were to attend and offer Sacrifices to these Calves; the Priest were like to lose their livings with their Idol.

These Priests formerly were fed, cloathed, enriched, and got into credit by these their Idols, this made them right glad.

All its credit, and veneration

is vanish't, twas once taken for a God, but now the case is altered, 'tis turned into a Captive, and with loss of Liberty hath lost its Deity also; the Assyrians have either broken it, or carryed it in Derision into Assyria.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 paragraph]; Sam. 4.21,