2  The prophet charges the people with their idolatry, and threatens them with the judgments of God, Hos 2:1-13.
Promises of mercy, Hos 2:14-23.

2:16 Thou shalt call - Both by words, affections, and obedience, shall own me as thy husband, and delight to call me so.Baali - That is, my Lord.

2:17 For - I will abolish the memory of Baalim.Baalim - This great idol for all others. And they - These false gods.By their name - Their names perishing with them.

25 This chapter contains the last public discourse which our Lord uttered before he was offered up. He had before frequently declared what would be the portion of all the workers of iniquity. But what will become of those who do no harm? Honest, inoffensive, good sort of people? We have here a clear and full answer to this important question.

25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven - That is, the candidates for it, be like ten virgins - The bridemaids on the wedding night were wont to go to the house where the bride was, with burning lamps or torches in their hands, to wait for the bride groom's coming.When he drew near, they went to meet him with their lamps, and to conduct him to the bride.

25:3 The foolish took no oil with them - No more than kept them burning just for the present. None to supply their future want, to recruit their lamp's decay. The lamp is faith.A lamp and oil with it, is faith working by love.

25:4 The wise took oil in their vessels - Love in their hearts.And they daily sought a fresh supply of spiritual strength, till their faith was made perfect.

25:5 While the bridegroom delayed - That is, before they were called to attend him, they all slumbered and slept - Were easy and quiet, the wise enjoying a true, the foolish a false peace.

25:6 At midnight - In an hour quite unthought of.

25:7 They trimmed their lamps - They examined themselves and prepared to meet their God.

25:8 Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out - Our faith is dead. What a time to discover this! Whether it mean the time of death, or of judgment. Unto which of the saints wilt thou then turn? Who can help thee at such a season?

25:9 But the wise answered, Lest there be not enough for us and you! - Beginning the sentence with a beautiful abruptness; such as showed their surprise at the state of those poor wretches, who had so long received them, as well as their own souls.Lest there be not enough - It is sure there is not; for no man has more than holiness enough for himself. Go ye rather to them that sell - Without money and without price: that is, to God, to Christ.And buy - If ye can. O no! The time is past and returns no more!

25:13 Watch therefore - He that watches has not only a burning lamp, but likewise oil in his vessel. And even when he sleepeth, his heart waketh. He is quiet; but not secure.