Matthew Poole and continuators on Hosea 2:18

18 And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground : and I will break the bow and the sword, and the battel out of the earth , and will make them to lie down safely .

See ver. 16. let. l.

Command, or Enjoin, and these Creatures shall as duly observe the Command as just ones keep a Covenant.

True Converts, the Israel of God.

VVith all the Creatures that might either serve or hurt them, it is a full and gracious promise of abundance of Peace, Safety, and Love among all, through the Creation, for the comfort of God's people.

But if Brute Beasts do not hurt, yet unless more brutish Creatures, bloody men be tamed, there will be little safety to the Church, therefore God will put an end to Wars, and make Men peaceable in their disposition, far more peaceable than heretofore they have been.

By a special care of, love for, and presence with them, God will provide for their safety. Now I doubt not but all this in some measure was made good to the Iews returning out of Captivity, among whom were also some thousands of the house of Israel, who had their share in this promised peace, safety, and prosperity. But the full accomplishment is to be to the Church of Christ, and in spiritual Blessings shadowed out by these temporal Blessings.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 span]; [illegible: 1 span]