Hosea 14 Commentary

Hosea 14 begins with a final call to repentance in which the prophet provides a model of prayer for idolatrous Israel to use as they confess their sins. Following the prayer of repentance, the LORD turns away from His anger, restores Israel, and showers them with His unfailing love. Restored to their land, revived, and regenerated, the Israelites will serve the LORD forever and will no longer practice idolatry. The chapter ends on an instructive note, urging anyone reading the book to live wisely by obeying God's commandments. The chapter's division is as follows:

1. Hosea calls Israel to return to the LORD with a genuine heart. He gives them a prayer to pray, and urges them to pray it and renew their allegiance to God—to recognize their dependence on God's mercy (vv. 1–3).
2. The LORD will respond to a prayer of repentance by Israel and restore them, bringing them back to life as a nation (vv. 4–8).
3. Hosea urges anyone reading his prophecy to live wisely by obeying God's precepts because they are completely true, and will lead those who follow His ways to be "righteous." The way of righteousness is the path to our greatest possible fulfillment. (v. 9).