Matthew Poole and continuators on Hosea 11:4

4 I drew them with cords of a man , with bands of love , and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws , and I laid meat unto them .

I found them backward and unapt to lead, I therefore in my pity laid my hand on them, and as a Father or Friend, drew them gently to me,

i. e. with such obliging kindness as best fits and most prevails with a man, with reason.

These arguments of love, which might as strong bands hold them fast to my Law and Worship for their good. I used [illegible: 1 letter]all manner of kindnesses towards them to fix them in good.

As a careful Husbandman doth in due season take the yoke from his labouring Oxe, and takes off the muzzle with which they were kept from eating, when at work, gives them time of rest and feeding: So did God with Israel.

Brought them provision in their wants, as the careful Husbandman brings fodder and provender for his wearied labouring Oxe, by which plain simile God doth inform Israel in Hosea's time, what antient, tender▪ constant and vigilant love he had shewed to Israel to their predecessors, and to them also, and hereby discovers their unheard of ingratitude, and wickedness, which began in their Fathers▪ and hath continued with increase to the dayes of their final ruin.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 paragraph]