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Hosea 14:4
Verse
Context
A Promise of God’s Blessing
3Assyria will not save us, nor will we ride on horses. We will never again say, ‘Our gods!’ to the work of our own hands. For in You the fatherless find compassion.” 4I will heal their apostasy; I will freely love them, for My anger has turned away from them. 5I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily and take root like the cedars of Lebanon.
Sermons
David Wilkerson
Derek Melton
Ronald Glass
Sandeep Poonen
Thomas Watson
John MacDuffSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I will heal their backsliding - Here is the answer of God to these prayers and resolutions. See its parts: - 1. Ye have backslidden and fallen, and are grievously and mortally wounded by that fall; but I, who am the Author of life, and who redeem from death, will heal all these wounds and spiritual diseases. 2. I will love them freely - נדבה nedabah, after a liberal, princely manner. I will love them so as to do them incessant good. It shall not be a love of affection merely, but shall be a beneficial love. A love that not only feels delight in itself, but fills them with delight who are its objects, by making them unutterably and supremely happy. 3. For mine anger is turned away from him - Because he has turned back to me. Thus God and man become friends.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
"I will heal their apostasy, will love them freely: for my wrath has turned away from it. Hos 14:5. I will be like dew for Israel: it shall blossom like the lily, and strike its roots like Lebanon. Hos 14:6. Its shoots shall go forth, and its splendour shall become like the olive-tree, and its smell like Lebanon. Hos 14:7. They that dwell in its shadow shall give life to corn again; and shall blossom like the vine: whose glory is like the wine of Lebanon. Hos 14:8. Ephraim: What have I further with the idols? I hear, and look upon him: I, like a bursting cypress, in me is thy fruit found." The Lord promises first of all to heal their apostasy, i.e., all the injuries which have been inflicted by their apostasy from Him, and to love them with perfect spontaneity (nedâbhâh an adverbial accusative, promta animi voluntate), since His anger, which was kindled on account of its idolatry, had now turned away from it (mimmennū, i.e., from Israel). The reading mimmennı̄ (from me), which the Babylonian Codices have after the Masora, appears to have originated in a misunderstanding of Jer 2:35. This love of the Lord will manifest itself in abundant blessing. Jehovah will be to Israel a refreshing, enlivening dew (cf. Isa 26:19), through which it will blossom splendidly, strike deep roots, and spread its shoots far and wide. "Like the lily:" the fragrant white lily, which is very common in Palestine, and grows without cultivation, and "which is unsurpassed in its fecundity, often producing fifty bulbs from a single root" (Pliny h. n. xxi. 5). "Strike roots like Lebanon," i.e., not merely the deeply rooted forest of Lebanon, but the mountain itself, as one of the "foundations of the earth" (Mic 6:2). The deeper the roots, the more the branches spread and cover themselves with splendid green foliage, like the evergreen and fruitful olive-tree (Jer 11:16; Ps. 52:10). The smell is like Lebanon, which is rendered fragrant by its cedars and spices (Sol 4:11). The meaning of the several features in the picture has been well explained by Rosenmller thus: "The rooting indicates stability: the spreading of the branches, propagation and the multitude of inhabitants; the splendour of the olive, beauty and glory, and that constant and lasting; the fragrance, hilarity and loveliness." In Hos 14:7 a somewhat different turn is given to the figure. The comparison of the growth and flourishing of Israel to the lily and to a tree, that strikes deep roots and spreads its green branches far and wide, passes imperceptibly into the idea that Israel is itself the tree beneath whose shade the members of the nation flourish with freshness and vigour. ישׁוּבוּ is to be connected adverbially with יהיּוּ. Those who sit beneath the shade of Israel, the tree that is bursting into leaf, will revive corn, i.e., cause it to return to life, or produce it for nourishment, satiety, and strengthening. Yea, they themselves will sprout like the vine, whose remembrance is, i.e., which has a renown, like the wine of Lebanon, which has been celebrated from time immemorial (cf. Plin. h. n. xiv. 7; Oedmann, Verbm. Sammlung aus der Naturkunde, ii. p. 193; and Rosenmller, Bibl. Althk. iv. 1, p. 217). The divine promise closes in Hos 14:9 with an appeal to Israel to renounce idols altogether, and hold fast by the Lord alone as the source of its life. Ephraim is a vocative, and is followed immediately by what the Lord has to say to Ephraim, so that we may supply memento in thought. מה־לּי עוד לע, what have I yet to do with idols? (for this phrase, compare Jer 2:18); that is to say, not "I have now to contend with thee on account of the idols (Schmieder), nor "do not place them by my side any more" (Ros.); but, "I will have nothing more to do with idols," which also implies that Ephraim is to have nothing more to do with them. To this there is appended a notice of what God has done and will do for Israel, to which greater prominence is given by the emphatic אני: I, I hearken (‛ânı̄thı̄ a prophetic perfect), and look upon him. שׁוּר, to look about for a person, to be anxious about him, or care for him, as in Job 24:15. The suffix refers to Ephraim. In the last clause, God compares Himself to a cypress becoming green, not only to denote the shelter which He will afford to the people, but as the true tree of life, on which the nation finds its fruits - a fruit which nourishes and invigorates the spiritual life of the nation. The salvation which this promise sets before the people when they shall return to the Lord, is indeed depicted, according to the circumstances and peculiar views prevailing under the Old Testament, as earthly growth and prosperity; but its real nature is such, that it will receive a spiritual fulfilment in those Israelites alone who are brought to belief in Jesus Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
God's gracious reply to their self-condemning prayer. backsliding--apostasy: not merely occasional backslidings. God can heal the most desperate sinfulness [CALVIN]. freely--with a gratuitous, unmerited, and abundant love (Eze 16:60-63). So as to the spiritual Israel (Joh 15:16; Rom 3:24; Rom 5:8; Jo1 4:10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
I will heal their backslidings,.... This and what follows is the Lord's answer to the above prayer; and this clause particularly is an answer to that petition, "take away all iniquity", Hos 14:2; sins are diseases, natural and hereditary, nauseous and loathsome, mortal, and incurable but by the grace of God, and blood of Christ; backslidings are relapses, which are dangerous things; Christ is the only Physician, who heals all the diseases of sin, and these relapses also; he will do it, he has promised it, and never turns away any that apply to him for it; and which he does by a fresh application of his blood, whereby he takes away sin, heals the conscience wounded with it, and restores peace and comfort; which is a great encouragement to take words, and return unto him; see Hos 6:1; I will love them freely; this is in answer to that petition, "receive us, graciously"; or "receive good", or rather "give good", Hos 14:2; not that the love of God or Christ begins when sinners repent and turn to him, or he applies his pardoning grace, since his love is from everlasting; but that in so doing he manifests his love, and will continue in it, nor shall anything separate from it: and this love, as it is freely set upon the objects of it, without any merits of theirs, or any motives in them, but flows from the free sovereign will and pleasure of God in Christ; so it is as freely manifested, and continues upon the same bottom, and is displayed in a most liberal and profuse donation of blessings of grace to them: this love is free in its original, and is liberal and bountiful in the effects of it; and makes the objects of it a free, willing, and bountiful people too: for mine anger is turned away from him: from Israel, which, under former dispensations of Providence, seemed to be towards him, at least when under his frowns, resentment, and displeasure, as is the case of that people at this day; but when they shall return to the Lord, and he shall manifest and apply his pardoning grace to them, his anger will appear no more, and they shall be in a very happy and comfortable condition, as Israel or the church declares, Isa 12:1; which refers to the same times as these words do; see Rom 11:26; and compare Psa 85:2; where a manifestation of pardoning grace is called the Lord's turning himself from the fierceness of his anger; and especially this suits with Gospel times, satisfaction being made for sin by the sacrifice of Christ.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here an answer of peace to the prayers of returning Israel. They seek God's face, and they shall not seek in vain. God will be sure to meet those in a way of mercy who return to him in a way of duty. If we speak to God in good prayers, God will speak to us in good promises, as he answered the angel with good words and comfortable words, Zac 1:13. If we take with us the foregoing words in our coming to God, we may take home with us these following words for our faith to feast upon; and see how these answer those. I. Do they dread and deprecate God's displeasure, and therefore return to him? He assures them that, upon their submission, his anger is turned away from them. This is laid as the ground of all the other favours here promised. I will do so and so, for my anger is turned away, and thereby a door is opened for all good to flow to them, Isa 12:1. Note, Though God is justly and greatly angry with sinners, yet he is not implacable in his anger; it may be turned away; it shall be turned away, from those that turn away from their iniquity. God will be reconciled to those that are reconciled to him and to his whole will. II. Do they pray for the taking away of iniquity? He assures them that he will heal their backslidings; so he promised, Jer 3:22. Note, Though backslidings from God are the dangerous diseases and wounds of the soul, yet they are not incurable, for God has graciously promised that if backsliding sinners will apply to him as their physician, and comply with his methods, he will heal their backslidings. He will heal the guilt of their backslidings by pardoning mercy and their bent to backslide by renewing grace. Their iniquity shall not be their ruin. III. Do they pray that God will receive them graciously? In answer to that, behold, it is promised, I will love them freely. God had hated them while they went on sin (Hos 9:15); but now that they return and repent he loves them, not only ceases to be angry with them, but takes complacency in them and designs their good. He loves them freely, with an absolute entire love (so some), so that there are no remains of his former displeasure, with a liberal bountiful love (so others); he will be open-handed in his love to them, and will think nothing too much to bestow upon them or to do for them. Or with a cheerful willing love; he will love them without reluctancy or renitency. He will not say in the day of thy repentance, How shall I receive thee again? as he said in the day of thy apostasy, How shall I give thee up? Or with an unmerited preventing love. Whom God loves he loves freely, not because they deserve it, but of his own good pleasure. He loves because he will love, Deut, Hos 7:7, Hos 7:8. IV. Do they pray that God will give good, will make them good? In answer to that, behold, it is promised, I will be as the dew unto Israel, Hos 14:5. Observe, 1. What shall be the favour God will bestow upon them. It is the blessing of their father Jacob, God give thee the dew of heaven, Gen 27:28. Nay, what they need God will not only give them, but he will himself be that to them, all that which they need: I will be as the dew unto Israel. This ensures spiritual blessings in heavenly things; and it follows upon the healing of their backslidings, for pardoning mercy is always accompanied with renewing grace. Note, To Israelites indeed God himself will be as the dew. He will instruct them; his doctrine shall drop upon them as the dew, Deu 32:2. They shall know more and more of him, for he will come to them as the rain, Hos 6:3. He will refresh them with his comforts, so that their souls shall be as a watered garden, Isa 58:11. He will be to true penitents as the dew to Israel when they were in the wilderness, dew that had manna in it, Exo 16:14; Num 11:9. The graces of the Spirit are the hidden manna, hidden in the dew; God will give them bread from heaven, as he did to Israel in the dew in abundance, Joh 1:16. 2. What shall be the fruit of that favour which shall be produced in them. The grace thus freely bestowed on them shall not be in vain. Those souls, those Israelites, to whom God is as the dew, on whom his grace distils, (1.) Shall be growing. The bad being by the grace of God made good, they shall by the same grace be made better; for grace, wherever it is true, is growing. [1.] They shall grow upwards, and be more flourishing, shall grow as the lily, or (as some read it) shall blossom as the rose. The growth of the lily, as that of all bulbous roots, is very quick and speedy. The root of the lily seems lost in the ground all winter, but, when it is refreshed with the dews of the spring, it starts up in a little time; so the grace of God improves young converts sometimes very fast. The lily, when it has come to its height, is a lovely flower (Mat 6:29), so grace is the comeliness of the soul, Eze 16:14. it is the beauty of holiness that is produced by the dew of the morning, Psa 110:3. [2.] They shall grow downwards, and be more firm. The lily indeed grows fast, and grows fine, but it soon fades and is easily plucked up; and therefore it is here promised to Israel that with the flower of the lily he shall have the root of the cedar: He shall cast forth his roots as Lebanon, as the trees of Lebanon, which, having taken deep root, cannot be plucked up, Amo 9:15. Note, Spiritual growth consists most in the growth of the root, which is out of sight. The more we depend upon Christ and draw sap and virtue from him, the more we act in religion from a principle and the more steadfast and resolved we are in it, the more we cast forth our roots. [3.] They shall grow round about (Hos 14:6): His branches shall spread on all sides. And (Hos 14:7) he shall grow as the vine, whose branches extend furthest of any tree. Joseph was to be a fruitful bough, Gen 49:22. When many are added to the church from without, when a hopeful generation rises up, then Israel's branches spread. When particular believers abound in good works, and increase in the knowledge of God and in every good gift, then their branches may be said to spread. The inward man is renewed day by day. (2.) They shall be graceful and acceptable both to God and man. Grace is the amiable thing, and makes those that have it truly amiable. They are here compared to such trees as are pleasant, [1.] To the sight: His beauty shall be as the olive-tree, which is always green. The Lord called thy name a green olive-tree, Jer 11:16. Ordinances are the beauty of the church, and in them it is, and shall be, ever green. Holiness is the beauty of a soul; when those that believe with the heart make profession with the mouth, and justify and adorn that profession with an agreeable conversation, then their beauty is as the olive-tree, Psa 52:8. It is a promise to the trees of righteousness that their leaf shall not wither. [2.] To the smell: His smell shall be as Lebanon (Hos 14:6) and his scent as the wine of Lebanon, Hos 14:7. This was the praise of their father Jacob, The smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord has blessed, Gen 27:27. The church is compared to a garden of spices (Sol 4:12, Sol 4:14), which all her garments smell of. True believers are acceptable to God and approved of men. God smells a sweet savour from their spiritual sacrifices (Gen 8:21), and they are accepted of the multitude of the brethren. Grace is the perfume of the soul, the perfume of the name, makes it like a precious ointment, Ecc 7:1. The memorial thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon (so the margin reads it), not only their reviving comforts now, but their surviving honours when they are gone, shall be as the wine of Lebanon, that has a delicate flavour. Flourishing churches have their faith spoken of throughout the world (Rom 1:8) and leave their name to be remembered (Psa 45:17); and the memory of flourishing saints is blessed, and shall be so, as theirs who by faith obtained a good report. (3.) They shall be fruitful and useful. The church is compared here to the vine and the olive, which brings forth useful fruits, to the honour of God and man. Nay, the very shadow of the church shall be agreeable (Hos 14:7): Those that dwell under his shadow shall return - under God's shadow (so some), under the shadow of the Messias, so the Chaldee. Believers dwell under God's shadow (Psa 91:1), and there they are and may be safe and easy. But it is rather under the shadow of Israel, under the shadow of the church. Note, God's promises pertain to those, and those only, that dwell under the church's shadow, that attend on God's ordinances and adhere to his people, not those that flee to that shadow only for shelter in a hot gleam, but those that dwell under it. Psa 27:4. We may apply it to particular believers; when a man is effectually brought home to God all that dwell under his shadow - children, servants, subjects, friends. This day has salvation come to this house. Those that dwell under the shadow of the church shall return; their drooping spirits shall return, and they shall be refreshed and comforted. He restores my soul, Psa 23:3. They shall revive as the corn, which, when it is sown, dies first, and then revives, and brings forth much fruit, Joh 12:24. It is promised that God's people shall be blessings to the world, as corn and wine are. And a very great and valuable mercy it is to be serviceable to our generation. Comfort and honour attend it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:4 Then I will heal you: Healing by God is the only solution for the disease of sin. The Lord heals all our diseases, both physical and spiritual (Ps 103:3).
Hosea 14:4
A Promise of God’s Blessing
3Assyria will not save us, nor will we ride on horses. We will never again say, ‘Our gods!’ to the work of our own hands. For in You the fatherless find compassion.” 4I will heal their apostasy; I will freely love them, for My anger has turned away from them. 5I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily and take root like the cedars of Lebanon.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Christ and His Harlot Church
By David Wilkerson7.2K50:26Harlot ChurchHOS 1:1HOS 2:3HOS 14:4HOS 14:6MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Hosea and the theme of Christ and His Harlot Church. He calls out to backsliders and those who have grown cold towards the Lord, assuring them that the grace of God is available to bring them back to the love of Christ. The preacher describes the life of a backslider as one filled with pain and confusion, where the pleasures they sought outside of their relationship with God ultimately dry up and leave them unfulfilled. The sermon concludes with a call to repentance and a reminder that God desires for His people to return to Him and experience His grace.
Southland Keswick Convention Gods Problem With a Soul
By Alan Redpath2.0K47:40God's ProblemPSA 86:11PSA 119:36HOS 6:1HOS 6:6HOS 14:4MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher discusses the rebellion in the hearts of people against God. He emphasizes that God's answer to this rebellion is for people to return to Him. The preacher reads from the book of Hosea, highlighting verses that speak of God's desire to heal and revive His people. He also mentions the struggle of God for the soul of a nation and the difficulty of understanding what must be done to be saved.
Faithfulness of God - Part 1
By Derek Melton1.2K55:46Covenant RelationshipGod's FaithfulnessCharacter Of GodPSA 46:1ISA 25:1JER 1:12HOS 14:4MAT 11:28ROM 8:161CO 1:82TI 3:101JN 1:7REV 19:11Derek Melton emphasizes the unwavering faithfulness of God, reminding believers that despite the uncertainties and challenges of life, God remains immutable and true to His covenant promises. He reassures the congregation that God's faithfulness is evident in His oversight of His Word, His ability to cleanse and forgive sins, and His commitment to complete the work He has begun in each believer. Melton encourages the faithful to trust in God's promises, especially during times of adversity, and to recognize that God's grace is available to all who seek Him. He concludes by urging those outside of the covenant to turn to Christ for salvation, highlighting the importance of repentance and faith in experiencing God's faithfulness.
The Prodigal Church
By Ronald Glass74558:43RevivalDEU 32:39PSA 108:12ISA 59:2HOS 6:1HOS 14:4In this sermon, the preacher highlights the lack of appreciation for the majesty of God, the depth of our sin, and the urgency of spreading the gospel in today's society. He emphasizes the need for a united remorse over our alienation from God and a declaration of a united resolve to address this situation. The preacher also emphasizes the importance of developing a conviction about our condition before the Lord, recognizing the lack of faithfulness and knowledge of God in the land. Lastly, he encourages believers to seek a deeper knowledge of God through prayer, studying the Word, and sharing the gospel with the lost, while also assuring them of God's mercy and compassion.
God Will Heal My Faithlessness
By Sandeep Poonen68420:42HOS 14:4
This sermon emphasizes the importance of aligning our beliefs and confessions with God's truth, focusing on Romans 10:8-10. It highlights the significance of confessing with our lips and believing in our hearts, stressing the need for consistency in faith-filled declarations. The message encourages a lifestyle of confessing the word of faith, not just as a tradition but as a genuine act of faith. It challenges believers to let go of worldly dependencies and self-efforts, embracing a posture of humility and dependence on God's healing from faithlessness.
Comfort for the Church
By Thomas Watson0EXO 20:24DEU 23:14PSA 46:5PSA 139:7PRO 25:11ISA 52:1JER 14:9HOS 14:4ZEC 2:5LUK 18:27Thomas Watson preaches about the comforting presence of God in the midst of His church, emphasizing that despite external and internal enemies, God's refuge and strength are always available. The sermon highlights the privilege and safety of having God in the midst of the church, explaining the two-fold presence of God and the reasons why He defends and blesses His people. Watson encourages the church to trust in God's compassion, love, and protection, reminding them that God's presence brings beauty, strength, and hope to His people.
The Faithful Promiser (31 Day Devotional)
By John MacDuff0DEU 33:25JOB 17:9PSA 25:10PSA 84:11PSA 119:49ISA 1:18ISA 40:31ISA 60:20HOS 2:19HOS 14:4MAT 12:20LUK 22:31JHN 13:7JHN 14:16JHN 14:18JHN 14:27ROM 8:281CO 15:532CO 9:8GAL 6:9PHP 1:6HEB 10:231PE 1:61PE 5:42PE 1:4REV 1:18REV 3:11REV 3:19REV 14:13REV 21:3REV 21:25John MacDuff preaches about the glorious promises of God, highlighting the delight of pleading individual promises at the mercy-seat and the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness. He emphasizes the gracious conference of God offering pardoning grace, the provision of needful grace in times of trial, and the abundance of all-sufficient grace for every situation. MacDuff also discusses the comforting, restraining, restoring, sanctifying, reviving, persevering, dying, and after-grace of God, encouraging believers to surrender to God's love and trust in His compassion and strength.
The Promises of God
By Thomas Brooks0God's PromisesFaithfulness of GodNUM 23:19ISA 46:10JER 31:3HOS 14:4MAL 3:62CO 1:20HEB 6:12Thomas Brooks emphasizes the richness and reliability of God's promises, likening them to precious resources that nourish and support the soul. He asserts that these promises, made through Christ, are guaranteed to be fulfilled, contrasting God's faithfulness with human inconsistency. Brooks highlights that God's promises stem from His grace and love, are unchangeable, and are rooted in His truth and faithfulness. He encourages believers to continually present these promises to God, reminding them of their significance as evidence of divine favor and the price paid by Christ's blood. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep trust in God's unwavering commitment to His word.
Zion's Gates and the King's Highway - Part 2
By J.C. Philpot0ISA 26:2ISA 35:8JER 3:22HOS 2:15HOS 14:4ZEC 4:7ROM 5:12TH 2:16HEB 6:19J.C. Philpot preaches about the gates that need to be opened in the journey of faith, starting with the gate of hope, which is anchored in a good hope through grace and leads to a living faith in Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of passing through the gates of faith, hope, and love before entering the presence of the King. The sermon highlights the role of ministers in preparing the way for God's people, casting up a highway of truth, gathering out stumbling blocks, and lifting up the standard of the Gospel for guidance and protection.
A Tender Heart
By A.W. Pink0Tenderness of HeartSpiritual VigilancePSA 51:1PSA 51:10PRO 4:14PRO 4:23JER 3:22HOS 14:4MAT 26:411CO 15:34HEB 3:13REV 2:4A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of maintaining a tender heart, as highlighted in 2 Kings 22:19. He explains that while a tender heart is a divine gift, it requires diligent effort to preserve, particularly through vigilance against sin and cultivating a spirit of reverence for God. Pink warns that sin can harden the heart, and stresses the importance of prayer, the Word, and genuine contrition in recovering tenderness when it is lost. He encourages believers to reflect on their spiritual state and to actively seek God's love and mercy to restore their hearts. Ultimately, a tender heart is essential for a responsive relationship with God and for spiritual growth.
Heart Backsliding
By Catherine Booth0HOS 14:4MAT 16:24JHN 14:23PHP 4:13JAS 4:171JN 1:9REV 2:4Catherine Booth preaches on the importance of remembering our first love for God, repenting of our backslidings, and consecrating ourselves fully to Him. She emphasizes the need for honest self-examination, confession of sins, and renunciation of evil practices to experience true restoration and peace with God. Through various illustrations and biblical principles, she highlights that faith and healing come through obedience to God's will and a wholehearted commitment to Him.
The Long-Suffering of the Lord
By William Gadsby0PSA 86:15PSA 103:10HOS 14:4LUK 13:32TI 1:9HEB 12:6JAS 5:12PE 3:91JN 2:15William Gadsby preaches about the long-suffering of God towards humanity, highlighting how despite our rebellion and insults towards Him, He continues to show mercy and patience. Gadsby discusses God's long-suffering towards all men, the elect while dead in sin, and His people after they are called by grace. He emphasizes the need for repentance, gratitude, and obedience in response to God's long-suffering and mercy, urging believers to abhor sin and live in holiness to honor and glorify God.
The Presence of a Loving God!
By Thomas Brooks0God's LoveComfort in Trials1SA 15:29ISA 43:4JER 31:3HOS 14:4MAL 3:6JHN 3:161JN 4:19Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound nature of God's love for His people, describing it as a first, free, everlasting, and unchangeable love. He highlights that without God's initial love, humanity would be lost, and despite our flaws and backslidings, God offers healing and acceptance through His sovereign grace. Brooks reassures believers that God's love is eternal and immutable, providing comfort in times of trouble. The sermon culminates in the recognition that the presence of a loving God is an unparalleled source of solace and strength in our lives.
A New Year's Address
By James Smith0NUM 6:24HOS 14:4LUK 11:9PHP 4:19HEB 4:15HEB 13:8JAS 4:8James Smith preaches about the unchanging nature of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that amidst the uncertainties and challenges of a new year, Jesus remains the same yesterday, today, and forever, offering love, compassion, and help to His people. Believers are encouraged to trust in Jesus alone for all their needs, as He is always present, attentive, and ready to supply. Smith urges the congregation to seek Jesus persistently, reminding them of the blessings, experiences, actions, joys, and protections they can have in Him throughout the year.
Overcome Us! Melt Us! Draw Us!
By Anne Dutton0PSA 103:8JER 31:3HOS 14:4EPH 3:17HEB 4:161JN 4:19Anne Dutton preaches about the infinite, boundless love and grace of God towards His people, despite their constant backsliding and ingratitude. She emphasizes God's promise to heal their backslidings and love them freely, even though they are naturally sinful and rebellious. Dutton marvels at the amazing, free love of God that continues to pursue His people, even when they have repeatedly turned away from Him and pursued other things. She encourages a daily surrender to the Savior, receiving His grace, pardon, peace, joy, strength, and holiness.
Prayer - 1 Peter 5:10, 11, Part 2
By A.W. Pink0Effectual CallingGod's GraceHOS 14:4MAT 12:31JHN 17:24ROM 8:301CO 10:13EPH 2:8COL 1:122TH 2:13HEB 4:161PE 2:9A.W. Pink emphasizes the profound nature of God's grace in his sermon on 1 Peter 5:10-11, illustrating how God's effectual call brings believers from darkness into His marvelous light. He explains that this calling is rooted in God's eternal purpose and is a testament to His unchanging love and grace towards His chosen people. Pink highlights that regeneration is a result of divine predestination, and that God's grace is abundant and tailored to meet our needs, especially in times of trial. He reassures believers that their calling to eternal glory is secured through their union with Christ, and encourages them to trust in God's promises as they navigate their spiritual journey. Ultimately, Pink calls for a deeper appreciation of God's grace, which is the foundation of our hope and assurance in salvation.
Pleasant Plants and Desperate Sorrow
By J.C. Philpot0GEN 3:17ISA 17:10JER 2:19EZK 16:63HOS 14:4J.C. Philpot preaches about the consequences of forgetting the God of salvation and being unmindful of the Rock of strength, leading to planting pleasant plants and setting strange slips, resulting in a day of grief and desperate sorrow. He emphasizes the sorrow and disappointment decreed for man since the fall, highlighting the self-inflicted sorrows and disappointments that come from forsaking God. Philpot illustrates the danger of indulging in secret sins and idols, leading to a cutting sorrow and keen disappointment. He warns about the danger of becoming the main author of our own misery by forsaking the Lord. Despite the consequences of backsliding, he points to God's mercy in chastisement to bring His children back to Him.
Beauty for Ashes: Part 2: The Remedy for Heart Wanderings
By G.D. Watson0HOS 14:4MIC 7:7JHN 14:26ROM 8:142CO 12:9GAL 5:16EPH 4:30PHP 3:13COL 3:21TH 5:19G.D. Watson preaches about remedies for heart wanderings, emphasizing the importance of great self-abasement before God, determination to get right at any cost, looking to Jesus alone for deliverance and comfort, never yielding to discouragement, constant sorrow for sin, making failures occasions for higher ascent, self-denial, spiritual industry, perseverance, independent obedience to God, keeping the mind stayed upon God and His kingdom, and cultivating intimate communion with the Holy Spirit.
Blessings Beyond Our Comprehension
By David Wilkerson0The Power of PrayerGod's GraceHOS 14:2HOS 14:4David Wilkerson emphasizes that while the church often proclaims 'God answers prayer,' the deeper truth is that 'God overanswers prayer.' He illustrates this through the example of Israel, who, despite their backsliding, returned to God with a simple plea for mercy. In response, God not only forgave them but also promised abundant blessings and revival, demonstrating His overwhelming grace. Wilkerson encourages believers to recognize how God has similarly overanswered their prayers, providing them with a deeper relationship with Jesus and a vibrant spiritual life.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I will heal their backsliding - Here is the answer of God to these prayers and resolutions. See its parts: - 1. Ye have backslidden and fallen, and are grievously and mortally wounded by that fall; but I, who am the Author of life, and who redeem from death, will heal all these wounds and spiritual diseases. 2. I will love them freely - נדבה nedabah, after a liberal, princely manner. I will love them so as to do them incessant good. It shall not be a love of affection merely, but shall be a beneficial love. A love that not only feels delight in itself, but fills them with delight who are its objects, by making them unutterably and supremely happy. 3. For mine anger is turned away from him - Because he has turned back to me. Thus God and man become friends.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
"I will heal their apostasy, will love them freely: for my wrath has turned away from it. Hos 14:5. I will be like dew for Israel: it shall blossom like the lily, and strike its roots like Lebanon. Hos 14:6. Its shoots shall go forth, and its splendour shall become like the olive-tree, and its smell like Lebanon. Hos 14:7. They that dwell in its shadow shall give life to corn again; and shall blossom like the vine: whose glory is like the wine of Lebanon. Hos 14:8. Ephraim: What have I further with the idols? I hear, and look upon him: I, like a bursting cypress, in me is thy fruit found." The Lord promises first of all to heal their apostasy, i.e., all the injuries which have been inflicted by their apostasy from Him, and to love them with perfect spontaneity (nedâbhâh an adverbial accusative, promta animi voluntate), since His anger, which was kindled on account of its idolatry, had now turned away from it (mimmennū, i.e., from Israel). The reading mimmennı̄ (from me), which the Babylonian Codices have after the Masora, appears to have originated in a misunderstanding of Jer 2:35. This love of the Lord will manifest itself in abundant blessing. Jehovah will be to Israel a refreshing, enlivening dew (cf. Isa 26:19), through which it will blossom splendidly, strike deep roots, and spread its shoots far and wide. "Like the lily:" the fragrant white lily, which is very common in Palestine, and grows without cultivation, and "which is unsurpassed in its fecundity, often producing fifty bulbs from a single root" (Pliny h. n. xxi. 5). "Strike roots like Lebanon," i.e., not merely the deeply rooted forest of Lebanon, but the mountain itself, as one of the "foundations of the earth" (Mic 6:2). The deeper the roots, the more the branches spread and cover themselves with splendid green foliage, like the evergreen and fruitful olive-tree (Jer 11:16; Ps. 52:10). The smell is like Lebanon, which is rendered fragrant by its cedars and spices (Sol 4:11). The meaning of the several features in the picture has been well explained by Rosenmller thus: "The rooting indicates stability: the spreading of the branches, propagation and the multitude of inhabitants; the splendour of the olive, beauty and glory, and that constant and lasting; the fragrance, hilarity and loveliness." In Hos 14:7 a somewhat different turn is given to the figure. The comparison of the growth and flourishing of Israel to the lily and to a tree, that strikes deep roots and spreads its green branches far and wide, passes imperceptibly into the idea that Israel is itself the tree beneath whose shade the members of the nation flourish with freshness and vigour. ישׁוּבוּ is to be connected adverbially with יהיּוּ. Those who sit beneath the shade of Israel, the tree that is bursting into leaf, will revive corn, i.e., cause it to return to life, or produce it for nourishment, satiety, and strengthening. Yea, they themselves will sprout like the vine, whose remembrance is, i.e., which has a renown, like the wine of Lebanon, which has been celebrated from time immemorial (cf. Plin. h. n. xiv. 7; Oedmann, Verbm. Sammlung aus der Naturkunde, ii. p. 193; and Rosenmller, Bibl. Althk. iv. 1, p. 217). The divine promise closes in Hos 14:9 with an appeal to Israel to renounce idols altogether, and hold fast by the Lord alone as the source of its life. Ephraim is a vocative, and is followed immediately by what the Lord has to say to Ephraim, so that we may supply memento in thought. מה־לּי עוד לע, what have I yet to do with idols? (for this phrase, compare Jer 2:18); that is to say, not "I have now to contend with thee on account of the idols (Schmieder), nor "do not place them by my side any more" (Ros.); but, "I will have nothing more to do with idols," which also implies that Ephraim is to have nothing more to do with them. To this there is appended a notice of what God has done and will do for Israel, to which greater prominence is given by the emphatic אני: I, I hearken (‛ânı̄thı̄ a prophetic perfect), and look upon him. שׁוּר, to look about for a person, to be anxious about him, or care for him, as in Job 24:15. The suffix refers to Ephraim. In the last clause, God compares Himself to a cypress becoming green, not only to denote the shelter which He will afford to the people, but as the true tree of life, on which the nation finds its fruits - a fruit which nourishes and invigorates the spiritual life of the nation. The salvation which this promise sets before the people when they shall return to the Lord, is indeed depicted, according to the circumstances and peculiar views prevailing under the Old Testament, as earthly growth and prosperity; but its real nature is such, that it will receive a spiritual fulfilment in those Israelites alone who are brought to belief in Jesus Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
God's gracious reply to their self-condemning prayer. backsliding--apostasy: not merely occasional backslidings. God can heal the most desperate sinfulness [CALVIN]. freely--with a gratuitous, unmerited, and abundant love (Eze 16:60-63). So as to the spiritual Israel (Joh 15:16; Rom 3:24; Rom 5:8; Jo1 4:10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
I will heal their backslidings,.... This and what follows is the Lord's answer to the above prayer; and this clause particularly is an answer to that petition, "take away all iniquity", Hos 14:2; sins are diseases, natural and hereditary, nauseous and loathsome, mortal, and incurable but by the grace of God, and blood of Christ; backslidings are relapses, which are dangerous things; Christ is the only Physician, who heals all the diseases of sin, and these relapses also; he will do it, he has promised it, and never turns away any that apply to him for it; and which he does by a fresh application of his blood, whereby he takes away sin, heals the conscience wounded with it, and restores peace and comfort; which is a great encouragement to take words, and return unto him; see Hos 6:1; I will love them freely; this is in answer to that petition, "receive us, graciously"; or "receive good", or rather "give good", Hos 14:2; not that the love of God or Christ begins when sinners repent and turn to him, or he applies his pardoning grace, since his love is from everlasting; but that in so doing he manifests his love, and will continue in it, nor shall anything separate from it: and this love, as it is freely set upon the objects of it, without any merits of theirs, or any motives in them, but flows from the free sovereign will and pleasure of God in Christ; so it is as freely manifested, and continues upon the same bottom, and is displayed in a most liberal and profuse donation of blessings of grace to them: this love is free in its original, and is liberal and bountiful in the effects of it; and makes the objects of it a free, willing, and bountiful people too: for mine anger is turned away from him: from Israel, which, under former dispensations of Providence, seemed to be towards him, at least when under his frowns, resentment, and displeasure, as is the case of that people at this day; but when they shall return to the Lord, and he shall manifest and apply his pardoning grace to them, his anger will appear no more, and they shall be in a very happy and comfortable condition, as Israel or the church declares, Isa 12:1; which refers to the same times as these words do; see Rom 11:26; and compare Psa 85:2; where a manifestation of pardoning grace is called the Lord's turning himself from the fierceness of his anger; and especially this suits with Gospel times, satisfaction being made for sin by the sacrifice of Christ.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here an answer of peace to the prayers of returning Israel. They seek God's face, and they shall not seek in vain. God will be sure to meet those in a way of mercy who return to him in a way of duty. If we speak to God in good prayers, God will speak to us in good promises, as he answered the angel with good words and comfortable words, Zac 1:13. If we take with us the foregoing words in our coming to God, we may take home with us these following words for our faith to feast upon; and see how these answer those. I. Do they dread and deprecate God's displeasure, and therefore return to him? He assures them that, upon their submission, his anger is turned away from them. This is laid as the ground of all the other favours here promised. I will do so and so, for my anger is turned away, and thereby a door is opened for all good to flow to them, Isa 12:1. Note, Though God is justly and greatly angry with sinners, yet he is not implacable in his anger; it may be turned away; it shall be turned away, from those that turn away from their iniquity. God will be reconciled to those that are reconciled to him and to his whole will. II. Do they pray for the taking away of iniquity? He assures them that he will heal their backslidings; so he promised, Jer 3:22. Note, Though backslidings from God are the dangerous diseases and wounds of the soul, yet they are not incurable, for God has graciously promised that if backsliding sinners will apply to him as their physician, and comply with his methods, he will heal their backslidings. He will heal the guilt of their backslidings by pardoning mercy and their bent to backslide by renewing grace. Their iniquity shall not be their ruin. III. Do they pray that God will receive them graciously? In answer to that, behold, it is promised, I will love them freely. God had hated them while they went on sin (Hos 9:15); but now that they return and repent he loves them, not only ceases to be angry with them, but takes complacency in them and designs their good. He loves them freely, with an absolute entire love (so some), so that there are no remains of his former displeasure, with a liberal bountiful love (so others); he will be open-handed in his love to them, and will think nothing too much to bestow upon them or to do for them. Or with a cheerful willing love; he will love them without reluctancy or renitency. He will not say in the day of thy repentance, How shall I receive thee again? as he said in the day of thy apostasy, How shall I give thee up? Or with an unmerited preventing love. Whom God loves he loves freely, not because they deserve it, but of his own good pleasure. He loves because he will love, Deut, Hos 7:7, Hos 7:8. IV. Do they pray that God will give good, will make them good? In answer to that, behold, it is promised, I will be as the dew unto Israel, Hos 14:5. Observe, 1. What shall be the favour God will bestow upon them. It is the blessing of their father Jacob, God give thee the dew of heaven, Gen 27:28. Nay, what they need God will not only give them, but he will himself be that to them, all that which they need: I will be as the dew unto Israel. This ensures spiritual blessings in heavenly things; and it follows upon the healing of their backslidings, for pardoning mercy is always accompanied with renewing grace. Note, To Israelites indeed God himself will be as the dew. He will instruct them; his doctrine shall drop upon them as the dew, Deu 32:2. They shall know more and more of him, for he will come to them as the rain, Hos 6:3. He will refresh them with his comforts, so that their souls shall be as a watered garden, Isa 58:11. He will be to true penitents as the dew to Israel when they were in the wilderness, dew that had manna in it, Exo 16:14; Num 11:9. The graces of the Spirit are the hidden manna, hidden in the dew; God will give them bread from heaven, as he did to Israel in the dew in abundance, Joh 1:16. 2. What shall be the fruit of that favour which shall be produced in them. The grace thus freely bestowed on them shall not be in vain. Those souls, those Israelites, to whom God is as the dew, on whom his grace distils, (1.) Shall be growing. The bad being by the grace of God made good, they shall by the same grace be made better; for grace, wherever it is true, is growing. [1.] They shall grow upwards, and be more flourishing, shall grow as the lily, or (as some read it) shall blossom as the rose. The growth of the lily, as that of all bulbous roots, is very quick and speedy. The root of the lily seems lost in the ground all winter, but, when it is refreshed with the dews of the spring, it starts up in a little time; so the grace of God improves young converts sometimes very fast. The lily, when it has come to its height, is a lovely flower (Mat 6:29), so grace is the comeliness of the soul, Eze 16:14. it is the beauty of holiness that is produced by the dew of the morning, Psa 110:3. [2.] They shall grow downwards, and be more firm. The lily indeed grows fast, and grows fine, but it soon fades and is easily plucked up; and therefore it is here promised to Israel that with the flower of the lily he shall have the root of the cedar: He shall cast forth his roots as Lebanon, as the trees of Lebanon, which, having taken deep root, cannot be plucked up, Amo 9:15. Note, Spiritual growth consists most in the growth of the root, which is out of sight. The more we depend upon Christ and draw sap and virtue from him, the more we act in religion from a principle and the more steadfast and resolved we are in it, the more we cast forth our roots. [3.] They shall grow round about (Hos 14:6): His branches shall spread on all sides. And (Hos 14:7) he shall grow as the vine, whose branches extend furthest of any tree. Joseph was to be a fruitful bough, Gen 49:22. When many are added to the church from without, when a hopeful generation rises up, then Israel's branches spread. When particular believers abound in good works, and increase in the knowledge of God and in every good gift, then their branches may be said to spread. The inward man is renewed day by day. (2.) They shall be graceful and acceptable both to God and man. Grace is the amiable thing, and makes those that have it truly amiable. They are here compared to such trees as are pleasant, [1.] To the sight: His beauty shall be as the olive-tree, which is always green. The Lord called thy name a green olive-tree, Jer 11:16. Ordinances are the beauty of the church, and in them it is, and shall be, ever green. Holiness is the beauty of a soul; when those that believe with the heart make profession with the mouth, and justify and adorn that profession with an agreeable conversation, then their beauty is as the olive-tree, Psa 52:8. It is a promise to the trees of righteousness that their leaf shall not wither. [2.] To the smell: His smell shall be as Lebanon (Hos 14:6) and his scent as the wine of Lebanon, Hos 14:7. This was the praise of their father Jacob, The smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord has blessed, Gen 27:27. The church is compared to a garden of spices (Sol 4:12, Sol 4:14), which all her garments smell of. True believers are acceptable to God and approved of men. God smells a sweet savour from their spiritual sacrifices (Gen 8:21), and they are accepted of the multitude of the brethren. Grace is the perfume of the soul, the perfume of the name, makes it like a precious ointment, Ecc 7:1. The memorial thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon (so the margin reads it), not only their reviving comforts now, but their surviving honours when they are gone, shall be as the wine of Lebanon, that has a delicate flavour. Flourishing churches have their faith spoken of throughout the world (Rom 1:8) and leave their name to be remembered (Psa 45:17); and the memory of flourishing saints is blessed, and shall be so, as theirs who by faith obtained a good report. (3.) They shall be fruitful and useful. The church is compared here to the vine and the olive, which brings forth useful fruits, to the honour of God and man. Nay, the very shadow of the church shall be agreeable (Hos 14:7): Those that dwell under his shadow shall return - under God's shadow (so some), under the shadow of the Messias, so the Chaldee. Believers dwell under God's shadow (Psa 91:1), and there they are and may be safe and easy. But it is rather under the shadow of Israel, under the shadow of the church. Note, God's promises pertain to those, and those only, that dwell under the church's shadow, that attend on God's ordinances and adhere to his people, not those that flee to that shadow only for shelter in a hot gleam, but those that dwell under it. Psa 27:4. We may apply it to particular believers; when a man is effectually brought home to God all that dwell under his shadow - children, servants, subjects, friends. This day has salvation come to this house. Those that dwell under the shadow of the church shall return; their drooping spirits shall return, and they shall be refreshed and comforted. He restores my soul, Psa 23:3. They shall revive as the corn, which, when it is sown, dies first, and then revives, and brings forth much fruit, Joh 12:24. It is promised that God's people shall be blessings to the world, as corn and wine are. And a very great and valuable mercy it is to be serviceable to our generation. Comfort and honour attend it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:4 Then I will heal you: Healing by God is the only solution for the disease of sin. The Lord heals all our diseases, both physical and spiritual (Ps 103:3).