Chapter 14
This chapter implies that the final decision is not made. It implies that God can still, and is still willing to, turn away this judgement that looms over them. That there is STILL some time, even at this late late stage and despite the level of iniquity and rebellion against God that prevails in Israel. Still He waits. This is an example for us, when others do wrong to us. An example of 70x7. An example of patience beyond human understanding. Only God could love the rebellious enough to give them this many chances. Verse 4 puts it in so many words:
4 I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them. [Hos 14:4 ESV]
What an example of forgiveness, ready and waiting, if we only repent.
FB.
This can also be viewed - and should be - as a prophecy of the Millennial, when God's anger will not only be turned from Israel, but they will behave as His people, chosen, and loving and worshiping Him entirely, as it was always meant to be.
And finally, the end of this book, and the summary verse is this:
9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them. [Hos 14:9 ESV]
Today, 2020, this seems to say that if you want to know what is happening around you, in the US, then read your Bible, because it is all there, and all you have to do is pay attention. Wouldn't this in some way dampen the anxiety of watching the rule of law disintegrate around us, of watching our country pull itself apart? Surely there is some peace in knowing what the cure for our situation truly is - even if we cannot bring it about - and in seeing and understanding the continuity and the ultimate victory of the Lord our God!? We must put ourselves in His hands, and His only.
Good FB post on the right day....
I think that so far, the books of Micah and now of Hosea have been such eye-openers for me. So thought-provoking. I had no idea.
2026 - This verse is kind of a reinforcement of the 2026 notes at the end of 13:
9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them. [Hos 14:9 ESV]
There is a whole "big deal" here of which I am completely ignorant.