Matthew Poole and continuators on Hosea 11:12

12 Ephraim compasseth me about with lies , and the house of Israel with deceit : but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints .

Many, or the most of Ephraim.

Play the Hypocrites with me still, yet give me good words call themselves my people, and say I am their God, and that they worship me and seek me but they flatter we with their mouths and lie unto me with their Tongues, as Psal. 78.36. So God upbraids them with this their sin.

The same thing in an ingeminated phrase to affect and ascertain the more.

The people of the two Tribes, under the Government of the house of David.

While Idolaters are Vassals and slaves to the Devil and to their own superstitious fears; the true worshippers of God like Princes rule with God. Or rather keeping to the house of David retain'd the Government in state affaires which was Theopolitia, a Government set up of God, when Ephraim made Kings and Princes but God did not know it, i. e. did not advise, nor approve it.

Retains also purity at least truth of Worship, and in the holy things of God keepeth to his word, and comparatively is faithful; whereas Ephraim is Hypocritical and false, Iudah adheres to God's holy Prophets, Priests and other saints of God.

This Verse might better begin the next Chapter, and by most Interpreters I have seen, it is the first verse of the next Chapter; but since we find it here we will here consider it.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 paragraph]