Matthew Poole and continuators on Hosea 9:14

14 Give them O LORD : what wilt thou give ? give them a miscarrying womb , and dry breasts ·

It is an abrupt but very pathetical speech of one that shews his trouble for the state of a sinking, undon Nation, it is an intercession for them.

As if he should say he knew not what to ask, or how to pray for them; he knew God had peremptorily determin'd to punish them with a total extermination, and in most dreadful manner, as describ'd ver. 11, 12, 13. Now give some mercy;

the dayes are coming when the barren womb will be a blessing; give this O Lord! 'tis less misery to have none, than to have all our Children murther'd by a barbarous Enemy. Luk. 23.29.

Not to starve the Children born, but 'tis further explication of the former; dry Breasts are Symtoms of a barren womb, whether by Abortion, or non-Conception; by one or other: Prevent these woful Effects of our Enemies unjust rage, and of thy most righteous displeasure against us, O Lord.

Marginal references: Heb. a womb that casteth the fruit.