Matthew Poole and continuators on Hosea 5:13

13 When Ephraim saw his sickness , and Judah saw his wound , then went Ephraim to the Assyrian , and sent to king Jareb : yet could he not heal you , nor cure you of your wound .

And, Heb. after that.

The King and Counsel, and Kingdom of the Ten Tribes, Menahem is surely meant, vid. 2 Kings 15.

Weakness, like a Consumption, threatning Death. Though Menahem had killed Shallum, and got into the Throne, yet he found himself unable to hold it against the opposite faction, and therefore sent for assistance from Assyria 2 King 15.19. or at least purchased the Friendship of Pul who was come out as an Enemy.

The other Kingdom of the two Tribes.

A deep and sestering wound; or a corrupting imposthume, which needs be opened, cleans'd and bound up, such was the state of the two Tribes at that day, ulcerous and full of danger, for Ahaz had done very wickedly, and wounded the Kingdom.

Made application.

Particularly to Pul, as 2 King. 15.19, 20. Not one word of their going to God, he was not in all their thoughts: He did afflict leisurely that they might seek him, but they forgot him still.

Embassadors, and presents to entreat and procure his help.

Whilest Interpreters agree not who this Iareb was, while some will have it be a proper, others an Appellative, Name, of a Person or Place, I think 'twill be surer course to compare times, who was King of Assyria when Ephraim was sick, and Iudah was wounded, and both felt it, for whoever this will prove to be, he it is that is meant by Iareb. Pul in Menahem's time, Tiglath Pilneser in Ahaz time, or, what if Iareb be the sum of what Ephraim and Iudah desired of this Assy[illegible: 1 letter]ian King; they complain'd of wrong received, and sent to this Foreign King their complaint, and requested that he would judge, or in our modern termes be Arbitrator; so the word will bear.

Ephraims sickness grew worse by it, Israel was sicker for it.

Iudah, Ahaz, and his wounded State.

The Assyrian King was either unable, or unwilling to heal the wound which he knew would as much profit him, as hurt his Patient.

Marginal references: chap. 12.1.; Or, to the king of Iareb. Or, to the king, that should plead.