Hosea 8:3

“Israel hath cast off [the thing that is] good, etc.] Or “rejected [him that is] good”f146; that is, God, as Kimchi observes; for there is none good but him, (<401917>Matthew 19:17); he is the “summum bonum”, “the chiefest good” to men, and is essentially, originally, and infinitely good in himself, and the fountain of all goodness to his creatures; and yet Israel has rejected him with detestation and contempt, as the wordf147 signifies, though they pretended to know him, which shows their hypocrisy; and therefore it is no wonder that their prayers were rejected by him: or they rejected the good word of God, the law, or doctrine contained in it, and the good worship, service, and fear of God,…”

“Israel--God repeats the name in opposition to their use of it (Hos 8:2). the thing that is good--JEROME translates, "God" who is good and doing good (Psa 119:68). He is the chief object rejected, but with Him also all that is good. the enemy shall pursue him--in just retribution from God.”

“Israel has cast off the thing that is good - Or (since the word means “to cast off with abhorrence” “Israel hath east off and abhorred Good,” both “Him who is Good” and “that which is good.” The word “tob” includes both. They rejected good in rejecting God , “Who is simply, supremely, wholly, universally good, and good to all, the Author and Fountain of all good, so that there is nothing simply good but God; nothing worthy of that title, except in respect of its relation to Him who is “good and doining good” Psalms 119:68. So then whatsoever any man hath or enjoys of good, is from his relation to Him, his nearness to Him, his congruity with Him. “The drawing near to God is good to me” Psalms…”

“8:3 Jesus tells us that God alone is good (Mark 10:18). God is the source of every good thing, yet Israel rejected him.”

“cast: Psa 36:3, Psa 81:10, Psa 81:11; Amo 1:11; Ti1 5:12 the enemy: Lev 26:36; Deu 28:25; Lam 3:66, Lam 4:19 Hosea 8:4”

“But this knowledge of God, regarded simply as a historical acquaintance with Him, cannot possibly bring salvation. Hos 8:3. "Israel dislikes good; let the enemy pursue it." This is the answer that God will give to those who cry to Him. טוב denotes neither "Jehovah as the highest good" (Jerome) or as "the good One" (Sims.), nor "the good law of God" (Schmieder), but the good or salvation which Jehovah has guaranteed to the nation through His covenant of grace, and which He bestowed upon those who kept His covenant. Because Israel has despised this good, let the enemy pursue it. Hosea 8:4”