Hosea
Summary
The CONCLUDING CALL to repentance and healing. it begins with the tender appeal: 'O Israel, return to the LORD your God'. it features the LORD'S gracious promise: 'I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely'. it describes a future restoration where God is like 'the dew to Israel' and His people flourish like the lily and the olive tree. it reaches its magnificent climax with the ultimate wisdom: 'the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them'.
O Israel, return to the LORD your God; for you hast fallen by your iniquity.
Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say to Him, "Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips."
"Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, 'You are our gods:' for in You the fatherless finds mercy."
I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away from him.
I will be as the dew to Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.
His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon.
They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon.
Ephraim shall say, "What have I to do any more with idols?" I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From Me is your fruit found.
Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.