Turning Back to The Lord
March 22, 2021
Commentary
Hosea called for repentance (vv. 1-3) and God promised 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 backslidden 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 had 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 would be turned from Israel because they had repented (v. 4). He promised to be “as the dew unto Israel” and this would 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 would be removed from the land (v. 7). In turning to God Israel would completely forsake its idols and would render fruit to God like a green fir tree (v. 8). With renewed vision and revived determination Israel anticipated 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. I need to claim I John 1:9 often.
Hosea 14:1– 9 (NET)
1 Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for your sin has been your downfall!
2 Return to the Lord and repent! Say to him: “Completely forgive our iniquity; accept our penitential prayer, that we may offer the praise of our lips as sacrificial bulls.
3 Assyria cannot save us; we will not ride warhorses. We will never again say, ‘Our gods,’ to what our own hands have made. For only you will show compassion to Orphan Israel!”
4 “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger will turn away from them.
5 I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily, he will send down his roots like a cedar of Lebanon.
6 His young shoots will grow; his splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon.
7 People will reside again in his shade; they will plant and harvest grain in abundance. They will blossom like a vine, and his fame will be like the wine from Lebanon.
8 O Ephraim, I do not want to have anything to do with idols anymore! I will answer him and care for him. I am like a luxuriant cypress tree; your fruitfulness comes from me!”
9 Who is wise? Let him discern these things! Who is discerning? Let him understand them! For the ways of the Lord are right; the godly walk in them, but in them the rebellious stumble.