Hosea 14:1-14:9
The Final Plea (v. 1)
Note: This verse could have been attached to the previous section as a final call to repentance. Either way, God is still reaching out to Israel.
** “Downfall” has the connotation of “taking down” or “falter/fail”…usually through a weakness of some sort.
** “Sin” = perversity… idea is that their moral corruption was the reason for their downfall
** “Return” (Hebrew: Shub or “shoob”… repentance is the root of the meaning) is an imperative or command…the question is, is it for the current situation or future Israelites?
see, also, Leviticus 26:40-45 Deuteronomy 30:1-3
The Suggested Confession (vs. 2-3)
** “Fruit of our lips”: part of the forgiveness ritual established by God was the sacrificial offering, usually an animal or produce.
Since no such offering could be made, God is accepting a repentant heart as demonstrated by the “fruit of the lips” as adequate.
…this brings to mind the teaching that sacrifices without obedience are meaningless to God.
…God is willing to settle for their vow/promise of repentance so he can start again with Israel.
i.e.: Israel’s good deeds and obedience will become their sin offering.
see Proverbs 13:2
Application: There is a hope for which the grace of God allows that assures us forgiveness when
we respond to God’s invitation to restore a broken relationship with him.
** Five Statements from Israel (v. 3): 1 Confession, 3 Promises, 1 Conclusion
1. God, alone, is their salvation
** “Assyria cannot save us”…speaking directly to Israel’s practice of turning to foreign powers for their security instead of the Lord.
2. Will not challenge God’s authority
** “Horses” are a symbol of military power
** Egypt supplied Israel with horses…perhaps allusion to Israel’s reliance on Egypt, too, for protection
3. Will not commit spiritual adultery, breaking the covenant
** “Never say again, ‘our gods’”…a confession of the adulteress.
4. Will not commit idolatry
** “to what our own hands have made”…confession of the idol worshipper
5. God, alone, is compassionate
** “in you the fatherless find compassion”… Israel will understand that even God’s judgment is a sign of his great compassion for their weakness.
Application: Having been destroyed by their waywardness, Israel’s confession shows a singleness of affection for and attention to God.
The Final Promise (vs. 4-8)
** The blessings of the Promises are the result of God turning away from his anger against Israel. (v. 4)
· Note: “turned away” is same as Israel’s “returning” (v. 1)…the difference is that God’s is not rooted in sin, but righteousness.
** Summary Promise (v. 8) – “Your fruitfulness comes from me.”
1. Healing
** “Heal” = refresh and/or repair
** “Waywardness” = apostasy (Greek: apo – apart, away from + stasis – standing) = unfaithful living/practice from false teaching.
** Point: God is repairing Israel’s practice of turning their back on God.
2. Love
** Not just any kind of love…God will love Israel, “Freely” = voluntarily
** God loves Israel not because Israel has coerced or manipulate love from God (like the tried from the Baals through their offerings), but because He chooses to love Israel.
3. Prosperity: Three similes shows God’s intent: Dew, blossom, roots…all signs of God blessing Israel to bring them maturity, healthiness and stability.
** The “Dew” matured the fruit to perfection
** The lily blossom was known to grow quickly – a message of quick restoration upon repentance. The notion of “blossoming” was synonymous to the messianic age (see Isaiah 35:1,2)
** Lebanon’s slopes were lush and green from the continuous morning dews which created a perfect setting for the roots of the cedars to grow deeply.
4. Blessing to others
** “Men dwelling in shade” is reminiscent of the original Abramic covenant (Genesis 22:15-18) that God will bless all nations through the seed of Abraham.
5. Status
** Israel’s fame will be international like the cedars of Lebanon.
The Final Reflection (v. 9)
Applications:
1. The Wise listen and respond to God.
2. God’s ways are always best.
