Bible Commentaries
Hosea 14

Verse 1

return. Compare Hosea 12:6 . Joel 2:13 .

unto = quite up to. Hebrew ' ad ; not merely "toward", which would be ' el .

for. Compare Hosea 13:9 .

iniquity. Hebrew. 'avah. App-44 . Some codices, with three early printed editions and Septuagint, read "transgressions" (plural)

Verse 2

words. Note the correspondence in the Structure: confession commanded, and the command obeyed.

turn = return, or turn back, as in Hosea 14:1 .

say. Compare Luke 15:18 , Luke 15:19 .

graciously = O Gracious One. See notes on Hosea 3:5 , and Hosea 8:3 . Eminent Jewish commentators take this as a title of the Messiah. There is no "us" in the Hebrew.

so will we render. Quoted in Hebrews 13:15 .

render = pay (as vows) by offering what is due (Psalms 66:13 , Psalms 66:14 ; Psalms 116:14 , Psalms 116:18 . Jonah 2:9 ).

calves = oxen. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6 , for the sacrifices offered (Psalms 51:17 ).

lips. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), for the confession, &c, made by them. Compare Psalms 69:30 , Psalms 69:31 ; Psalms 116:17 ; Psalms 141:2 .Hebrews 13:15 .

Verse 3

Asshur, &c. See Hosea 5:13 , Hosea 12:1 ; and compare Jeremiah 31:18 .

we will not ride. Some codices, with four early printed editions and Syriac, read "nor upon horses will we ride". Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 17:16 ). Compare Psalms 33:17 . Isaiah 30:2 , Isaiah 30:16 ; Isaiah 31:1 .

the work of our hands. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6 , for idols of all kinds.

for in Thee = O Thou in Whom.

the fatherless: i.e. Israel's orphaned folk. Here we have the key to the symbolic names of Hosea 1:0 : Gomer shows that the measure of iniquity was full. Jezreel denotes the consequent scattering. Lo-Ruhamah (the second child, the girl) foreshadows Israel as the unpitied one. Lo-Ammi (the last child) denotes Israel's present condition. Ammi represents Israel's yet future position (Hosea 2:1 ). Ruhamah = pitied, Lo-Ruharnah's new name (Hosea 2:23 ).

findeth mercy = Ruhamah = pitied. Referring to Israel's final restoration. See note on Hosea 2:23 .

Verse 4

back-sliding. Compare Hosea 11:7 . Jeremiah 5:6 ; Jeremiah 14:7 .

him: i.e. Israel.

Verse 5

the dew. See notes on Hosea 6:4 ; Hosea 13:3 .

grow = blossom.

cast forth = strike out.

his roots. The spurs of Lebanon have the appearance of outspreading roots.

as = like [those of].

Verse 6

his smell = his fragrance, or be fragrant, like.

Verse 7

the scent thereof = his memory or remembrance [pleasant] as, &c. So the Septuagint

wine. Hebrew. yayin. App-27 .

Verse 8

shall say. In obedience to the command in Hosea 14:1 .

I have heard = I have heard and obeyed.

and observed = and regarded. Contrast Hosea 13:7 .

I am like: or, I like a green cypress [will overshadow him]. A verb must he supplied. Referring to "shadow" in Hosea 14:7 .

From Me, &c. This member is Jehovah's reply. Note the emphatic "I" repeated. Compare Jeremiah 31:18 .

thy fruit found. Fruitfulness provided, as well as protection and grace.

Verse 9

Who is wise . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 . Concluding the whole book, like Psalms 107:43 .

wise. Hebrew. chakam (adjective) See note on Proverbs 1:2 . Compare Psalms 107:43 .Jeremiah 9:12 .Daniel 12:10 .

prudent = [who is] understanding? Hebrew. binah. See ' note on Proverbs 1:2 . Here it is the passive = gifted with understanding.

right = upright. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 32:4 ). Compare Job 26:14 ; Job 36:23 .Psalms 18:30 ; Psa 18:77 , Psalms 18:19 ; Psalms 145:17 . Proverbs 10:29 . Daniel 4:37 .

just = righteous.

transgressors. Hebrew. pasha'. App-41 ix.

fall therein = stumble in them. Compare Psalms 119:165 .Proverbs 4:19 ; Proverbs 10:29 ; Proverbs 11:5 ; Proverbs 15:9 . Micah 2:7 . Nahum 3:3 . 1 Corinthians 1:23 , 1Co 1:24 ; 1 Peter 2:7 , 1 Peter 2:8 .