Matthew Poole and continuators on Hosea 6:4

4 O Ephraim what shall I do unto thee ? O Judah what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew, it goeth away.

The Lord now enters a debate with, both Israel (here called Ephraim) and with the Two Tribes with all that were his people antiently; much after the manner of men, who having to do with froward, and ungovernable Children, or Servants whom they pity, and would not cast off after much kindness and patience shewed to them, and abused by them, at last seem at a stand, what more to do, or appeal to by-standers whether more might be done, or demand of the untractable ones what they can desire more to be done? So Isa. 5.3, 4, 5, 6. and Mich. 6.3, 5. what is it I may do becoming my Holy, Just, and Wise procedures, with my reasonable Creatures? What should I do more to save you from ruine, and salve my own Honour, Truth, and Justice? Would you of the Ten Tribes, and you of the Two Tribes, have me cease to be God, and resign to your Idols? Or repeal my own Laws, and subscribe to your Idols rites? Or would you have Satan the wicked one, who hath seduced your Kings, Prophets, Priests, and People whom you Worship in your Idols, would you that he should still retain your Love and Service? And I maintain you in it? I would do, as appears by what I have done, any thing that may be done to reduce, reclaim, and reform you, who are as impudent Adulteresses, that will not be sincere and faithful to their reconciled Husband.

Or your kindness, your Love to me, my Law, Worship, and Honour, your promises of Love and Loyalty.

Vanisheth without effect, it is deceitful, you are Hypocrites, nothing but short and empty signs of Goodness, Piety, and Amendment; Their Hypocrisie and unconstancy elegantly exprest in this double allusion renders them uncapable of farther gentleness.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word] 11.8.; [illegible: 1 word] or,; [illegible: 1 word] 13.3.