The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea] Heb. The beginning of JEHOƲAHS speech in Hosea 2 Corinthians 13:3. Hebrews 1:1. To signifie the inward propheticall revelation, Numbers 12:6. 2 Samuel 23:2. Or, if we read with, or by Hosea, it signifieth, God used his ministery and preaching, to declare revelations, and prophesies. Under an Hosea did Israel enter into the land of Canaan, Numbers 13:16. and under an Hosea were they captived out, 2 Kings 17. and fittest was an Hosea to taxe their unthankfulnesse for the one, and to tell the fearfulnesse of the other. Go, take unto thee a wise] It is likely that all this was commanded, and seemed to the Prophet to be performed in vision; which being related to the people, they might in the lookingglasse of this allegorie, perceive their dutie toward God, and their rebellion and disloyaltie, and the punishment which God would inflict upon them for it. See Chap. 3. 7. of whoredomes] Not that she was a whore at the first, but that being a married wise she afterwards went astray: The application of the figure to the subject requireth, that it be understood in this kinde; whereby it appears all this was done in vision. Others take it for a reall act. and children of whoredomes] Which are really born by unlawfull copulation, though they bear thy name. Others say, these words plainly manifest all this was but in vision; for the same children cannot by the Prophet be taken with the mother, and be begotten of her, as it is afterwards said. for the land hath committed great whoredome] I will have thee in this manner represent unto the people their idolatries, and spirituall strayings, and to reprove them for it. See Psalms 73:27. Ezekiel 23:3; Ezekiel 23:5.