[583] קצף: compare Arabic qṣf, "to break"; but there is also the assonant Arabic qṣb, "reed." The Rabbis translate _foam_: cf. the other meaning of קצף--outbreak of anger, which suggests _bubble_. [584] Rosenmüller: _more than in_. These days are evidently not the beginning of the kingship under Saul (so Wellhausen), for with that Hosea has no quarrel, but either the idolatry of Micah (Judg. xvii. 3 ff.), or more probably the crime of Benjamin (Judg. xix. 22). [585] Obscure; text corrupt, and in next verse uncertain. [586] For the tense of the verse both participles are surely needed. Wellhausen thinks two redundant. [587] Deut. xxv. 4; 1 Cor. ix. 9; 1 Tim. v. 18. [588] LXX.: _fruit of life_. [589] צדק surely in the sense in which we find it in Isa. xl. ff. LXX.: _the fruits of righteousness shall be yours_. [590] We shall return to this passage in dealing with Repentance; see p. 345. [591] So LXX. Wellhausen suspects authenticity of the whole clause. [592] Wellhausen proposes to read בעריך for בעמיך, but there is no need. [593] See above, p. 216, _n._ 5. [594] So LXX. CHAPTER XVIII _THE FATHERHOOD AND HUMANITY OF GOD_ HOSEA xi. From the thick jungle of Hosea's travail, the eleventh chapter breaks like a high and open mound. The prophet enjoys the first of his two clear visions--that of the Past.[595] Judgment continues to descend. Israel's Sun is near his setting, but before he sinks-- "A lingering light he fondly throws On the dear hills, whence first he rose." Across these confused and vicious years, through which he has painfully made his way, Hosea sees the tenderness and the romance of the early history of his people. And although he must strike the old despairing note--that, by the insincerity of the present generation, all the ancient guidance of their God must end in this!--yet for some moments the blessed memory shines by itself, and God's mercy appears to triumph over Israel's ingratitude. Surely their sun will not set; Love must prevail. To which assurance a later voice from the Exile has added, in verses 10 and 11, a confirmation suitable to its own circumstances. _When Israel was a child, then I loved him,_ _And from Egypt I called_ him _to be My son._