Hosea 14

Hosea 14:1

REturn unto the LORD] He exhorteth them to repentance, to avoid all these plagues, willing them to declare by words their obedience and repentance.

Hosea 14:2

Take with you words] I desire neither sacrifices nor offerings from you, but do you present before me a sincere confession of your sinnes, fervent prayers to obtain forgivenesse, and sincere actions of grace.

Take away all iniquitie] Pardon through thy grace, and alter by thy Spirit.

receive us graciously] Or, give good. Accept out of thy fatherly favour the true witnesses and effects of our conversion.

the calves of our lips] Declaring that this is the true sacrifice that the faithfull can offer, even thanks and praise, in stead of sacrifices of beasts. See Psal. 50. 14, 23. and 69. 30, 31. and 116. 12, 13. Hebrews 13:15.

Hosea 14:3

Ashur shall not save us] We will leave off all vain confidence and pride in humane power, and trust in thee onely. See Hosea 5. 13. and 12. 2.

we will not ride upon horses] Psalms 20:7. To seek relief from Egypt. Esa. 30. 16. and 31. 1.

to the work of our hands] Namely, to the idols.

the fatherlesse] To wit, every person that wanteth a guide, relief and sustenance, as we do.

Hosea 14:4

I will heal their back-sliding] He declareth how ready God is to receive them that do repent.

Hosea 14:5

I will be as the dew unto Israel] I will water them with my graces and heavenly blessings.

grow] Or, blossome.

cast forth] Heb. strike forth.

Hosea 14:6

shall spread] Heb. shall go.

and his beauty] Psalms 52:8.

the olive-tree] Which is alway green. Psalms 52:8.

his smell as Lebanon] A hill full of sweet smelling plants. Son 4:11.

Hosea 14:7

shall return] Namely, from their exile, where they were scattered, and shall come together into the Church, in the Messias his time, and there they shall be safe under Gods protection.

they shall revive] They shall increase and have children.

grow] Or, blossome.

the sent] Heb. the memoriall, the Name of God, Hosea 12:5. He meanes, that the knowledge of him, and his doctrine shall be alwayes most pleasing to his people, like unto excellent wine, Son 1:2-3. Or, God shall love the memory of his people very dearly.

Hosea 14:8

Ephraim shall say] Thou Ephraim shalt joyn me no more with idols, as thou hast done heretofore; I will alone be served in spirit and truth. 2 Corinthians 6:16.

I am like a green firre-tree] They shall finde in me all the good they desire; as when a tree bringeth forth good fruit, and a pleasant shade. Son 2:3.

from me is thy fruit found] This may be understood of the good works of th faithfull, brought forth in them by the onely power of Gods grace and Spirit John 15:2; John 15:4.

Hosea 14:9

Who is wise] Signifying, that the true wisdom and knowledge consisteth in this, even to know and to rest upon God. Such a manner of speech is in Psalms 107:43.

the wayes of the LORD are right] The whole conduct of his providence, his works and judgements, and also his Word and doctrine, are most holy things, and good for men, but they become an occasion of ruine and perdition to the wicked, which do abuse them through their incredulity and wickednesse. Proverbs 10:29. Luke 2:34. 2 Corinthians 2:16. 1 Peter 2:7.