Hosea 14
Hosea 14 is part of “God's Persistent Love” (11–14) in the outline of Hosea.
Hosea 14 summary
The strain of this chapter differs from that of the foregoing chapters. Those were generally made up of reproofs for sin and threatenings of wrath; but this is made up of exhortations to repentance and promises of mercy, and with these the prophet closes; for all the foregoing convictions and terrors he had spoken were designed to prepare and make way for these. He wounds that he may heal. The Spirit convinces that he may comfort.
Read the full introduction
The strain of this chapter differs from that of the foregoing chapters. Those were generally made up of reproofs for sin and threatenings of wrath; but this is made up of exhortations to repentance and promises of mercy, and with these the prophet closes; for all the foregoing convictions and terrors he had spoken were designed to prepare and make way for these. He wounds that he may heal. The Spirit convinces that he may comfort. This chapter is a lesson for penitents; and some such there were in Israel at this day, bad as things were. We have here, I. Directions in repenting, what to do and what to say (Hos 14:1-3). II. Encouragements to repent taken from God's readiness to receive returning sinners (Hos 14:4, Hos 14:8) and the comforts he has treasured up for them (Hos 14:5-7). III. A solemn recommendation of these things to our serious thoughts (Hos 14:9).
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Hosea 14 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
A Plea to Return to the Lord
1Samaria shalbe desolate: for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sworde: their infants shalbe dashed in pieces, and their women with childe shalbe ript. 2O Israel, returne vnto the Lord thy God: for thou hast fallen by thine iniquitie. 3Take vnto you words, and turne to the Lord, and say vnto him, Take away all iniquitie, and receiue vs graciously: so wil we render the calues of our lippes.
God's Promise of Healing
4Asshur shall not saue vs, neither wil we ride vpon horses, neither will we say any more to the worke of our handes, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherlesse findeth mercie. 5I wil heale their rebellion: I wil loue them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him. 6I will be as the dewe vnto Israel: he shall grow as the lilie and fasten his rootes, as the trees of Lebanon. 7His branches shall spread, and his beautie shalbe as the oliue tree, and his smell as Lebanon. 8They that dwel vnder his shadow, shall returne: they shall reuiue as the corne, and florish as the vine: the sent thereof shalbe as the wine of Lebanon. 9Ephraim shall say, What haue I to doe any more with idoles? I haue heard him, and looked vpon him: I am like a greene firre tree: vpon me is thy fruite founde. 10Who is wise, and he shall vnderstande these things? and prudent, and he shall knowe them? for the wayes of the Lord are righteous, and the iust shall walke in them: but the wicked shall fall therein.