Hosea Chapter 14
From The Open Bible Project
14:1 Israel, return to Yahweh your God; for you have fallen because of your sin.
- (a) He exhorts them to repentance to avoid all these plagues, exhorting them to declare by words their obedience and repentance.
14:2 Take words with you, and return to Yahweh. Tell him, "Forgive all our sins, and accept that which is good: so we offer our lips like bulls.
- (b) He shows them that they ought to confess their sins.
- (c) Declaring that this is the true sacrifice that the faithful can offer, even thanks and praise; (Hebrews 13:15).
14:3 Assyria can't save us. We won't ride on horses; neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, 'Our gods!' for in you the fatherless finds mercy."
- (d) We will forsake all vain confidence and pride.
14:4 "I will heal their waywardness. I will love them freely; for my anger is turned away from him.
- (e) He declares how ready God is to receive those that do repent.
14:5 I will be like the dew to Israel. He will blossom like the lily, and send down his roots like Lebanon.
14:6 His branches will spread, and his beauty will be like the olive tree, and his fragrance like Lebanon.
14:7 Men will dwell in his shade. They will revive like the grain, and blossom like the vine. Their fragrance will be like the wine of Lebanon.
- (f) Whoever unites themselves to this people will be blessed.
14:8 Ephraim, what have I to do any more with idols? I answer, and will take care of him. I am like a green fir tree; from me your fruit is found."
- (g) God shows how prompt he is to hear his own when they repent, and to offer himself as a protection and safeguard for them, as a most sufficient fruit and benefit.
14:9 Who is wise, that he may understand these things? Who is prudent, that he may know them? For the ways of Yahweh are right, and the righteous walk in them; But the rebellious stumble in them.
- (h) Signifying that the true wisdom and knowledge consists in this, even to rest upon God.
