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More Hosea commentaries
Hosea 11:1-12
God’s Continuing Love For Israel
Hosea 12:1-14
The Balances of Deceit
Hosea 14:1-9
Turning Back to The Lord
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Turning Back to The Lord
Hosea 14:1–9
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia. The misbehavior of students led to a riot in which professors who tried to restore order were attacked. The following day a meeting was held between the university’s board, of which Jefferson was a member, and defiant st … More
Hosea calls for repentance (vv. 1-3) and God promises restoration (vv. 4-8). God had to punish Israel for its gross and repeated violation of His law, but He would do so with a heavy heart. The preceding chapters have painted a very drab picture (v. l). Now the prophet instructs them to return to God and seek His forgiveness (v. 2). This is always the requirement for the backsliden if restoration is to take place. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (l John 1:9). The nation has used its lips to praise the idolatrous “calves;” now it needs to use its lips to praise God.
God promises to heal their backsliding. His anger will be turned from Israel because they have repented (v. 4). He promises to be “as the dew unto Israel” and this will result in her growing as a “lily” and putting down roots like the cedars of Lebanon which were known for their durability (v. 5). The scar and stench of idolatry will be removed from the land (v. 7). In turning to God Israel will completely forsake its idols and will render fruit to God like a green fir tree (v. 8). With renewed vision and revived determination Israel anticipates better days. In conclusion, the testimony of the entire prophecy is that “the ways of the Lord are right” and those who are right with Him will heed the words of this prophecy and prosper.
Application
The people in Hosea’s day could repent and turn to God by asking Him to forgive their sins. The same is true for me. I should never hesitate to come to Him for a clean slate.
Hosea 14:1-9 (English Standard Version)
Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity. Take with you words and return to the LORD; say to him, "Take away all iniquity; accept what is good, and we will pay with bulls the vows of our lips. Assyria shall not save us; we will not ride on horses; and we will say no more, 'Our God,' to the work of our hands. In you the orphan finds mercy." I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them. I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily; he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon; his shoots shall spread out; his beauty shall be like the olive, and his fragrance like Lebanon. They shall return and dwell beneath my shadow; they shall flourish like the grain; they shall blossom like the vine; their fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon. O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; from me comes your fruit. Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.
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