Matthew Poole and continuators on Hosea 11:6

6 And the sword shall abide upon his cities , and shall consume his branches , and devour them n, because of their own counsels .

Either intestine or forreign warrs, or both.

Shall be long, not be as a sudden incursion, which doth much mischief to surprised and unfortified places, but it shall be a lasting war; Three years Samaria was besieged, so the sword did abide.

All the Cities of Ephraim, the enemy should have courage and leisure to attend the siege of every one of them.

Shall prevail to take, sack, burn and ruin the branches.

Lesser Towns and Villages.

Which they first took, 1 King. 12.28. and ever since irreclaimably have followed in opposition to all the good counsels the Prophets gave them from time to time, to all which they have turned a deaf ear; they have sued for Egypt and Assur's favour, and slighted mine.

Which he shall swallow up with speed and ease, without remedy.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word]. 10.6.