Hosea 14
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Hos 14:1-3 1Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God,
For you have stumbled because of your iniquity.
2Take words with you and return to the LORD.
Say to Him, “Take away all iniquity
And receive us graciously,
That we may present the fruit of our lips.
3”Assyria will not save us,
We will not ride on horses;
Nor will we say again, 'Our god,'
To the work of our hands;
For in You the orphan finds mercy.”
Hos 14:1 “Return” This (BDB 99:6 , KB 142:7 ) is a Qal IMPERATIVE. “Return” is a recurrent theme in Hosea (e.g., Hos 3:5 ; Hos 5:4 ; Hos 6:1 ; Hos 7:10 ; Hos 7:16 ; Hos 11:5 ; Hos 12:6 ; Hos 14:1-2 ). True repentance brings physical and spiritual benefits! Remember that repentance is related to personal relationship (i.e., “return to the LORD your God,” e.g., Hos 2:13 ; Hos 4:6 ; Hos 8:14 ; Hos 13:6 ; Amo 4:6 ; Amo 4:9-11 ) as much as it is to rules! See Special Topic: Repentance in the Old Testament <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/repentance_ot.html>.
▣ “stumbled” The OT metaphor of footing is used to describe the spiritual life. Sure footing is a sign of a healthy spiritual life, while stumbling (BDB 50:5 , KB 50:2 , Qal PERFECT) is a sign of sin (cf. Hos 5:5 b; Isa 3:8 ; Isa 59:10 ; Isa 59:14 ; Jer 46:6 ).
Hos 14:2 “Take words with you and return to the LORD” This sentence (Hos 14:1 in MT) has four Qal IMPERATIVES and one Piel COHORTATIVE. God demands that they respond appropriately!
1. “take” - BDB 54:2 , KB 534:2 . “return” - BDB 99:6 , KB 1427:3 . “say” - BDB 5:5 , KB 65:4 . “present” - BDB 102:2 , KB 152:2 (Piel COHORTATIVE)
Notice the repetition of “take.” If Israel will truly repent then God will completely accept and restore them!
This refers to the sacrificial system (i.e., MT “our lips as bulls”). To better understand this phrase we should add “take words not lambs.” This affirms the proper restoration of Mosaic sacrifice.
▣ “Take away all iniquity” The VERB (BDB 66:9 , KB 72:4 , Qal IMPERFECT) is surrounded by IMPERATIVES. This phrase occurs several times (7) in the OT with God as its subject (cf. Exo 34:7 ; Num 14:18 ; Psa 32:5 ; Psa 85:2 ; Isa 33:24 ; Hos 14:2 ; Mic 7:18 ) and always means “remove iniquity” (cf. NIDOTTE, vol. 3, p. 162). It is a plea from truly repentant covenant people.
NASB, NKJV “And receive us graciously”
NRSV “accept that which is good”
TEV “accept our prayers”
NJB “accept our wealth”
The variations in translations are due to the confusion over which meaning tob (BDB 37:3 ) should carry.
1. good, KB 37:1 I (LXX, NASB, NRSV, NJB)
2. speech, KB 37:2 IV (i.e., “take words” line 1; TEV, NET)
NASB “That we may present the fruit of our lips”
NKJV “For we will offer the sacrifices of our lips”
NKJV
(footnote) “For we will offer the bull calves of our lips”
NRSV “and we will offer the fruit of our lips”
TEV “and we will praise you as we have promised”
PESHITTA “then he will recompense you for the prayer of your lips”
NJB “instead of bulls we will dedicate to you our lips”
REB “we shall pay our vows with cattle from our pens”
NET Bible “that we may offer the praise of our lips as sacrificial bulls”
The VERB basically means “to complete,” here to pay a vow (e.g., 2Sa 15:7 ; Psa 50:14 ; Psa 66:13 ; Psa 116:14 ; Psa 116:18 ; Isa 19:21 ). This refers to confession, prayer, and praise. This passage is used by modern Judaism to rationalize the place of prayer as a substitute for sacrifice (cf. Psalms 5:0 ; Psa 69:30-31 ).
The above translation and interpretation, so popular among Jewish sources, reflects the Septuagint. The MT reads, “offer bulls.” The Hebrew is uncertain and the context must fill in the necessary gaps!
Hos 14:3 “Assyria will not save us” In this verse there are allusions to political alliances and the things that human leaders tend to trust: (1) foreign alliances (Assyria's treaties, cf. Hos 5:13 ); (2) military power (Egyptian horses, cf. Psa 20:7 ); and (3) idols (“work of our hands,” i.e., Canaanite fertility gods).
▣ “To the work of our hands” Hosea ridicules idolatry in Hos 4:12 ; Hos 14:3 ; Isaiah in Isa 2:18 ; Isa 2:20 ; Isa 17:7-9 ; Isa 31:7 ; and Jeremiah in Hos 10:3-5 ; Hos 10:8-9 ; Hos 10:14-15 . This attitude reflects Exo 20:4-5 ; Exo 34:17 ; Lev 19:4 ; Lev 26:1 ; Deu 4:15-19 ; Deu 4:25 ; Deu 5:8 .
▣ “For in You the orphan finds mercy” God is again depicted as a merciful parent as in Hos 11:1-4 (cf. Psa 68:5 ; Lam 5:3 ). The orphan represents the powerless and vulnerable people of society. God's people should care for these kinds of people (e.g., Exo 22:21-24 ; Deu 10:18-19 ; Deu 14:29 ; Deu 16:11-12 ; Deu 24:17 ; Deu 24:19 ; Deu 26:12-13 ; Deu 27:19 ).
The VERB “finds mercy” (BDB 93:3 , KB 121:6 , Pual IMPERFECT) is the same as one of Hosea's children (negated) in Hos 1:6 ; Hos 2:4 , but mercy is restored in Hos 2:1 ; Hos 2:19 ; Hos 2:23 and here! This is a covenant term like “My people” (cf. Hos 1:9 vs. Hos 2:1 ).
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Hos 14:4-7 4I will heal their apostasy,
I will love them freely,
For My anger has turned away from them.
5I will be like the dew to Israel;
He will blossom like the lily,
And he will take root like the cedars of Lebanon.
6His shoots will sprout,
And his beauty will be like the olive tree
And his fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon.
7Those who live in his shadow
Will again raise grain,
And they will blossom like the vine.
His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon.
Hos 14:4 “I will heal their apostasy” In Hos 14:4-8 God speaks! The VERB (BDB 95:0 , KB 127:2 ) is a Qal IMPERFECT. Healing is an OT metaphor for forgiveness (cf. Hos 5:13 ; Hos 6:1 ; Hos 7:1 ; Hos 11:3 ; Psa 103:3 ; Isa 57:18 ; Jer 3:22 ).
The term “apostasy” (BDB 100:0 ) is literally “turning back” (cf. Hos 11:7 ). It is used in Jeremiah for turning away from YHWH (cf. Jer 2:19 ; Jer 3:22 ; Jer 5:6 ; Jer 8:5 ; Jer 14:7 ; Judah is called faithless in Jer 3:6 ; Jer 3:8 ; Jer 3:11 ; Jer 3:14 ; also notice Jer 7:24 ). If Israel “turns back” (i.e., repents) from sin (cf. Hos 14:1 ) YHWH will “heal their turning back” (i.e., apostasy) tendencies! His anger has “turned away from them” (cf. Deu 30:1-10 ). Notice the series of word plays on shub (BDB 99:6 ). See Special Topic: Apostasy (aphistçmi) <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/apostasy.html>.
▣ “I will love them freely” This VERB (BDB 1:2 , KB 1:7 , Qal IMPERFECT) is parallel to heal in line 1. Grace (God's unchanging character), not merit (humans ever-changing heart and motives), is the key to the new covenant (cf. Jer 31:31-34 ; Eze 36:22-38 ). However, an initial and ongoing response is demanded, not only repentance and faith (cf. Deuteronomy 3:0 ; Mar 1:15 ; Act 2:21 ), but also obedience (cf. Luk 6:46 ) and perseverance (cf. Revelation 2-3).
▣ “My anger has turned away from them” The term “anger” (BDB 6:0 ) is from “nose” or “face.” Anger can be seen in a red face and hard breathing. Here is an anthropomorphism for God's deep feelings.
There is a play on the word “turn back” or “return” (BDB 99:6 ) in this context:
1. return, Hos 14:1 2. return to, Hos 14:2 3. turn away, Hos 14:4 4. also in Hos 14:7 Hos 14:5 “the dew” Dew (literal here, not like Hos 6:4 ; Hos 13:3 ) is the only source of moisture in Israel between the two rainy periods and is crucial for crops to mature. Hos 14:5-7 describe the agricultural signs of God's blessings (cf. Deuteronomy 2:7-28 ).
There is a series of JUSSIVES in Hos 14:5-6 :
1. “blossom,” Hos 14:5 - BDB 82:7 , KB 96:5 , Qal IMPERFECT - JUSSIVE in meaning
2. “will stake its roots,” Hos 14:5 (i.e., will take root) - BDB 64:5 , KB 69:7 , Qal JUSSIVE
3. “sprout” (lit. “go”), Hos 14:6 - BDB 22:9 , KB 24:6 , Qal IMPERFECT - JUSSIVE in meaning
4. “will be” - BDB 22:4 , KB 24:3 , Qal JUSSIVE
▣ “Lebanon” This is the land north of Israel called Phoenicia, whose capital is Tyre. It was famous for its trees. In this context
1. trees, Hos 14:5 (parallel to city)
2. trees, Hos 14:6 (parallel to olive trees)
3. wine, Hos 14:7 (parallel to vine)
In context, this may be a veiled reference to Ba'al, who Jezebel from Tyre, brought into Israel. The fertility of Lebanon was from YHWH, not Ba'al (cf. Hos 14:8 ).
Hos 14:6-7 “olive tree. . .grain. . .vine” The three main crops of Palestine are olive oil, grains, and grapes. YHWH gave them this fertile land (e.g., Deu 8:7-9 ; Deu 11:9-12 ). These were from YHWH, not Ba'al! The restoration of God's people to the land flowing with milk and honey is described as agricultural abundance (cf. Amo 9:13-15 ), but in reality it is the intimacy of the interpersonal relationship that is the greatest joy of a restored and renewed people/family!
Hos 14:7 “Those who live in his shadow” The VERB (BDB 44:2 , KB 44:4 , Qal PERFECT) means to sit or to dwell. This is a metaphor of (1) God as a mother bird who protects her young under her wings (cf. Psa 17:8 ; Psa 36:7 ; Psa 57:1 ; Psa 63:7 ; Mat 23:27 ) or (2) because of the agricultural context of Hos 14:5-8 , this probably refers to God as a provider of a fruitful tree (cf. Hos 14:8 ; Eze 17:22-24 ). See Special Topic: Shadow As a Metaphor for Protection and Care <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/shadow.html>.
It is YHWH, not Ba'al, who is the source of fertility and stability (cf. Hos 14:8 ).
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Hos 14:8-9 8O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols?
It is I who answer and look after you.
I am like a luxuriant cypress;
From Me comes your fruit.
9Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;
Whoever is discerning, let him know them.
For the ways of the LORD are right,
And the righteous will walk in them,
But transgressors will stumble in them.
Hos 14:8 “what more have I to do with idols” This is a Hebrew idiom of rejection (e.g., Jdg 11:12 ; 2Sa 16:10 ; 2Sa 19:22 ; 1Ki 17:18 ; 2Ki 3:13 ; 2Ch 35:21 ; Joh 2:4 ).
▣ “It is I who answer” Idols cannot answer, but YHWH can. This same VERB (BDB 77:2 , KB 85:1 ) is used repeatedly in Hos 2:21-22 , which sets the stage for the great promise of Hos 2:23 !
▣ “and look after you” This VERB (BDB 100:3 II, KB 144:9 , Qal IMPERFECT) has the connotation of “regard with watchful care,” (root “to bend down to look at”).
This same VERB is used in Hos 13:7 with the connotation of “lie in wait to ambush” (cf. Jer 5:26 ). Context is determinative!
The God of Israel is alive and attentive, while the gods of Canaan are lifeless idols of wood and metal who cannot see, hear, speak, move, or help!
▣ “I am like a luxuriant cypress” This is the only place in the OT that God is described as a tree.
▣ “From Me comes your fruit” YHWH, not Ba'al, is the source of blessing. What a tragedy when God's people do not know this truth.
Hos 14:9 This is a wisdom proverb much like the book of Revelation, “Let him who has an ear hear.” The VERBS “understand” (BDB 10:6 , KB 61:9 ) and “discern” (BDB 10:6 , KB 12:2 ) are both JUSSIVES (the second in meaning, but not form). Hosea must be read more than once and enacted!
▣ “Whoever” This closing wisdom saying focuses on an individual (not corporate) response to Hosea's teaching. The nation was unable to repent, but individuals can respond to God's love appropriately! Choice is an individual covenantal concept (cf. Ezekiel 1:8 ). We are responsible individually because we must respond to God individually.
▣ “the ways. . .walk. . .stumble” Here are three terms that describe the life of faith in metaphors of physical walking (e.g., Pro 23:19 ). This reflects OT Wisdom Literature's “the two ways”: choose God, walk in Him and live or choose sin and walk in it (cf. Deu 30:15-20 ; Rom 8:4-5 ). The early church was originally called “the Way” in Acts. Biblical faith is a lifestyle. Eternal life has observable characteristics.
▣ “right. . .righteous” The Hebrew root is a “straight edge.” Today we would say a “ruler.” Therefore, all Hebrew words for “sin” refer to a deviation from this standard. The standard is God Himself! See Special Topic: Righteousness <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/righteousness.html>.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR CHAPTERS 1:3 AND 1:4 This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. Was Hosea against the concept of monarchy?
2. Why does Paul quote Hos 13:14 in 1 Corinthians 1:5 ?
3. Describe the literary metaphors used in Hos 14:9 .
4. What two metaphors does Hosea use to describe God?
5. What is the central theme of the book?
