In this chapter we have, I. A general charge drawn up against Israel for those high crimes and misdemeanors by which they had obstructed the course of God’s favours to them, Hos. 7:1–2. II. A particular accusation, 1. Of the court—the king, princes, and judges, Hos. 7:3–7. 2. Of the country.

Some take away the last words of the foregoing chapter, and make them the beginning of this: ” When I returned, or would have returned, the captivity of my people, when I was about to come towards them in ways of mercy, even when I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim (the country…

Having seen how vicious and corrupt the court was, we now come to enquire how it is with the country, and we find that to be no better; and no marvel if the distemper that has so seized the head affect the whole body, so that there is no soundness in it; the iniquity of Ephraim is discovered, as…