2:5 For their mother hath played the harlot: she that conceived them hath done shamefully: for she said, I will go after my {g} lovers, that give [me] my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, mine oil and my drink.
(g) Meaning the idol which they served, and by whom they thought they had wealth and abundance.
2:5 That give me - Whereas every mercy she enjoyed was God's gift, a fruit of his covenant, love and faithfulness towards her; yet she denies all his kindness, and ascribes to her idols, the bread she ate, the water she drank, and the clothes she wore.
2:1-5 This chapter continues the figurative address to Israel, in reference to Hosea's wife and children. Let us own and love as brethren, all whom the Lord seems to put among his children, and encourage them in that they have received mercy. But every Christian, by his example and conduct, must protest against evil and abuses, even among those to whom he belongs and owes respect. Impenitent sinners will soon be stripped of the advantages they misuse, and which they consume upon their lusts.
