The Pulpit Commentary — Hosea — Section 82

Vers. 18, 19.-Tlie sublime :privileges of the good. "And in tha(dny will I make a col'enant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls oi h'eaven, arid wi,h the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and L,c battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely~ Alld •I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto n:ie in ·rJghteousiless, and iu judgment, and in loving-kindness, and in mercies." These words. present tq us a: few -0:· the many surpassing privileges which all men might enjoy. . • • ' ·, L iKFER.IOB CREATURES MIGHT BE DIVINELY RESTRAINED FROM INJURING THEM, "In that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field," etc. There are creatures that have both the power and the inclination to'devour man. Prowling beasts of the field, and ravenous fowls of the air, aµd creeping scorpions of the earth, ha"e at once the power and passion to put an end to the human race. Who restrains them 't God's hand is on them. He holds them back. 8ometimes he withdraws his hand and men are devoured. Will not a lion devour a: saint as·well as a· sinner? It depends upon whether the saint has committed himself to the Divine protection, and has received into his own heart au assurance of Divine guardianship. Daniel was safe in the presence of the ravenous lions; and in. modern times, instances have occurred where savage beasts have been restrained from inflicting injury on godly men. " Thou shalt tread upon the lion and the adder" (Ps. xci. 13) .. I have an impression that were man to possess and manifest the moral majesty of goodness, the wildest and most savage creatures would stand in awe of him. II. HUMAN EKEMIES MIGHT BE MADE TO sunMIT TO THEM. "I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth." Those who trust in the Lord peed ri.ot be afraid of war. 'fhe pots11erds of the earth might strive with ea.eh. other, but they would not harm the good. The man who would never strike a blow is not likely ever to be struck. The spirit of the good man is to overcom(l evil with good. Imagine an army drawn up to attack a body of truly Christly men-men who prayed for their enemies, and did good to them that despitefully used them, and who held no weapons in their hands. They would look calmly on their assailants while they were brandishing their swords and shouldering their bayonets. ~hat wou:ld, be the re~ult? Why, a moral force would go forth from the unarmed i;nult1tude;·_whlch would· lireak on. n. 1-23.] THE BOOK OF HOSEA. 79