Hos 6:4 | JFB | STEP | 4. what shall I do unto thee —to bring thee back to piety. What more could be done that I have not done, both in mercies and chastenings ( )? At this verse a new discourse begins, resuming the threats ( ). See on this chapter. goodness —godliness. morning cloud —soon dispersed by the sun ( ). There is a tacit contrast here to the promise of God's grace to Israel hereafter, in . His going forth is "as the morning," shining more and more unto the perfect day; your goodness is "as a morning cloud," soon vanishing. His coming to His people is "as the (fertilizing) latter and former rains"; your coming to Him "as the early dew goeth away."

Hosea 6:4

4. what shall I do unto thee—to bring thee back to piety. What more could be done that I have not done, both in mercies and chastenings (Isa 5:4)? At this verse a new discourse begins, resuming the threats (Ho 5:14). See opening remarks on this chapter.

goodness—godliness.

morning cloud—soon dispersed by the sun (Ho 13:3). There is a tacit contrast here to the promise of God's grace to Israel hereafter, in Ho 6:3. His going forth is "as the morning," shining more and more unto the perfect day; your goodness is "as a morning cloud," soon vanishing. His coming to His people is "as the (fertilizing) latter and former rains"; your coming to Him "as the early dew goeth away."