Matthew Poole and continuators on Hosea 7:1

1 WHen I would have healed Israel , then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered , and the wickedness of Samaria : for they commit falsehood : and the thief cometh in , and the troop of robbers spoileth without .

Whether this Chapter be a new Sermon, or a continuation of that begun chap. 6. we need not enquire, nor are there any particulars by which we can ghess at the time when this healing work was attempted, but so soon as 'twas endeavoured indefinitely 'tis spoken, and so to be interpreted

God doth assume the person of a Physitian or Chirurgion who compassionately endeavours to cure a people sick and wounded: Such was the house of Israel, the whole body of the people.

The hidden, old, and putrifying sores here called Iniquity, the impieties and injustice

Of Israel called Ephraim, or of Ephraim the chief Tribe of this revolting Kingdom, some would have it mean the Rulers, or principal men.

Broke out as many times in cures of old sores it happens, some deeper and more rooted Distemper unthought of by the Chyrurgion appears.

The great and many sins.

Samaria the Royal City of the Kingdom, where Citizens, Priests, Prophets and Courtiers as much outsin'd others as they exceeded them in wealth and ease.

Where lying and cousening each other is acted as if'twere a business they were bound to attend.

Secret thefts, or robbing others by subtle and undiscern'd methods.

And open violence by hands joyned to hands to spoil abroad. In a word, the strength and danger of their disease appears and increaseth more and more under endeavours to heal them.

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