Hosea 11

Verse 1. Away. The last kings of Israel lived in the midst of troubles. Bible.—Osee, though one of the best, brought ruin on the nation. Calmet.—Son: Israel. But as the calling of Israel out of Egypt was a figure of the calling of Christ from thence; therefore this text is also applicable to Christ, as we learn from S. Matthew 2:15. Challoner. Julian pretends that the apostle has abused this text. But it speaks of both events. Saint Jerome—Eusebius (Dem. ix. 3.) thinks that S. Mat. refers to Balaam; (Numbers 24:8) and S. Jerom does not reject this opinion, (in Matthew 2. Calmet.) to avoid “wrangling,” though he repeatedly alleges this text as a proof his version being more accurate than that of the Septuagint which has his children. This reading the best editions retain; so that it may seem a matter of surprise, that Fabricius should give this verse as a specimen of Origen’s Hexapla, and still print my son, taking it, as he says, from the Barbarini copy, the London Polyglot, and Cave. Bib. Greek iii. 12. The first column has the Hebrew text, and the second the same in Greek characters, and so forth The reader may form a judgment of this work from the following specimen: 1. Hebrew (which we shall express) karathi bani. 2. Greek καραθι βανι. 3. Aq. εκαλεσα τον υιον μου. 4. Sym. κεκληται υιος μου. 5. Septuagint κεκληται υιος μου. 6. Th. και εκαλεσα υιον μου. If any other versions were added, to form Octapla, and so forth they were placed after Theodotion, who, though prior to Symmachus, is placed after him, because his version was not so unlike that of the Septuagint and the deficiencies were chiefly supplied from him. In the Rom. and Alex. edit. instead of the above we find, μετεκαλεσα τα τεκνα αυτου. “I have recalled his children.” Bible.—This is literally spoken of Israel, (styled God’s son, Exodus 4:23) and mystically, ( Worthington.) though no less ( Bible.) truly, of Jesus Christ, as the inspired evangelist shews. Worthington.

Verse 2. They called: that is Moses and Aaron called: but they went away after other gods, and would not hear. Challoner.—Septuagint “As I called them back, or (repeatedly; μετεκαλησα. Grabe has, “he called;” meaning any of God’s ministers) so they rushed away from my presence.” Bible.—This sense appears preferable to the Hebrew Calmet.

Verse 3. Healed them. My laws were designed to counteract idolatry. Bible.—I treated them with the utmost tenderness. Deuteronomy 1:31 and 32:11.

Verse 4. Adam. I placed my people in a sort of paradise, ( Calmet.) like the first man; and as they have imitated him, they shall suffer accordingly. Rufin. Haimo.—But Septuagint and so forth render, “of a man.” They shall be treated like the rest. Calmet.—Grace draws man by sweet means. His free-will is not destroyed, nor is he impelled, like beasts, by force or fear, ( Worthington.) though the latter is often used for the most salutary purposes.—Yoke, or muzzle, which prevents them from eating. Bible.—I furnish them with manna. Can it be suspected that I wish to oppress them? Calmet.

Verse 5. Egypt. Many went, contrary to this prohibition. Bible.—Yet they did not prosper, as they expected. The Hebrews had also often murmured in the desert, and threatened to return to Egypt.

Verse 6. Heads. Hebrew “counsellors.” Civil war desolated the kingdom, and made way for the Assyrians. Septuagint “they are devoured on account of their projects.” Calmet.—They are at a loss what to do.

Verse 7. Off, for a long time; and indeed Israel never recovered its former state, after the captivity. Bible.—Then they became more docile. Hebrew is very ambiguous. Calmet.

Verse 8. Adama, and so forth Adama and Seboim were two cities in the neighbourhood of Sodom, and underwent the like destruction. Challoner.—God punishes, like a father, with regret.

Verse 9. Not man. I am not actuated by the spirit of revenge, nor do I fear lest my enemy escape. Calmet.—I punish in order to reclaim, (Saint Jerome) and reserve eternal vengeance only for those who die impenitent.—Holy one. If there be a just man in Israel, I will spare the nation; (Genesis 18:32) or there are some just, like Tobias, and therefore a part shall be reserved; or, ( Calmet.) I am the just ( Bible.) God. Saint Jerome

Verse 10. Lion. His power is most terrible, and his commands must be obeyed. Calmet.—All nations shall permit the return of Israel. Bible.—They shall come from the sea, of from its islands.

Verse 11. Egypt. Some returned soon; others not before the reign of Alexander, or perhaps later. Calmet. Diss.

Verse 12. Denials; refusing to adhere to my worship. Bible.—They wished to unite it with that of idols. 3 Kennicott. 18. Calmet.—Saints. The priests and temple are preserved in Juda. Ezechias brought the people to serve God faithfully, while Israel was led captive. Septuagint “the house of Israel and Juda with impiety. Now God hath known them lovingly, and it shall be called the holy people of God.” Thus both kingdoms were criminal, and God exercised his mercy towards both. Bible.—The Jews relate that when their ancestors were pursued by the Egyptians, and the people were desponding, Juda signalized his courage by entering the bed of the sea. Saint Jerome—These traditions are suspicious. Calmet.