Matthew Poole and continuators on Hosea 2:23

23 And I will sow her unto me in the earth , and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy , and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people ; and they shall say, Thou art my God .

Their sins, the Enemies Sword, and God's just displeasure had wasted and lessened their numbers, but now the Lord will bless them with wonderful increase of people, exprest with allusion to a seed sown in the Earth, which multiplyeth exceedingly; so the Iews multiplyed after the Babylonish Captivity, but much more are the numbers increas'd since the preaching of the Gospel, and the gathering in the dispersed Elect of God.

Either the Land of Canaan, if you refer this to the Iews after the Captivity, or the whole Earth, all places, and Nations, if you do as you should, refer it to Gospel dayes, and so we have seen this promise fulfilled.

See cap. 1. ver. 6. let. b. c. and ver. 10. tot.

So great is the change Grace hath made, that a rejected people are once more taken to be a peculiar people: A remnant among them is saved.

Not in word only, but with hearty consent, joy, affection, and thankfulness they shall be my people, as well as call themselves so. This people of whom the Prophet here speaketh, shall openly confess the Lord is their God, Soveraign to Command, and Rule; and Saviour to deliver and save them. Their God to give them Law and Life; to direct their Obedience, and to be their exceeding great reward for it, their God to sanctifie, justifie, and glorifie.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word] 31.27. [illegible: 1 word] 10.9. [illegible: 1 word] 9.26. [illegible: 1 letter] 2.10.