FocusMemory, judgment, and healing
Hosea 14:2
KJVTake with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The closing movement recalls the relationship, renews the indictment, and ends with an appeal to return and a promise of healing.
- 14:1 O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.
- 14:2 Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.
- 14:3 Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Hosea son of Beeri is the named prophet and traditional author of the collected message. Biblical references: Hosea 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Hosea 4:1–14:9): Hosea addresses Israel, including its priests and rulers, with warnings also involving Judah. The closing appeal calls Israel to return to the LORD. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Primarily the northern kingdom of Israel, often called Ephraim, with warnings also concerning Judah. Biblical references: Hosea 4:1; Hosea 5:1; Hosea 5:5. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? A Call to Repentance. Read Hosea 14:1 through Hosea 14:3 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The closing movement recalls the relationship, renews the indictment, and ends with an appeal to return and a promise of healing. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The opening names kings of Judah and Jeroboam of Israel. The oracles address that setting while also announcing future judgment and restoration. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Israel, especially the northern kingdom, is central; the poetry also recalls Egypt, wilderness, and other places in the covenant story. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in A Call to Repentance (Hosea 14:1 to Hosea 14:3). Start reading at Hosea 14:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Matthew applies Hosea's words about calling the son out of Egypt to Jesus. Hosea's immediate passage recalls Israel's history, so the later application and the original reference should both be stated. See Hosea 11:1, Matthew 2:15. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to the call to return with faithful conduct rather than empty religious activity. Marriage imagery should be read as the book's covenant portrayal, not casually imposed on a reader's private circumstances. interpretation
Cited: Hosea 14:1, Hosea 14:3, Hosea 11:1, Matthew 2:15
Who wrote it, and how we know
Related passages
- with Job 34:31-32 Joel 2:17 Matt 6:9-13 Luke 11:2-4 Luke 18:13
- away 2 Sam 12:13 2 Sam 24:10 Job 7:21 Ps 51:2-10 Isa 6:7 Ezek 36:25-26 Mic 7:19 Zech 3:4
- receive, etc Matt 7:11 Luke 11:13 Luke 15:21-24 Eph 1:6-7 Eph 2:7-8 2 Tim 1:9
- the calves Ps 69:30-31 Heb 13:15 1 Pet 2:5,9
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Hosea 14
Hosea 1:1 Hosea 3:1 Hosea 14:1
A Promise of God’s Blessing
Hosea 14:4–9FocusMemory, judgment, and healing
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Hosea
Hosea 1:1 Hosea 3:1 Hosea 14:1
Marriage and the covenant relationship
Hosea 1:1–3:5FocusUnfaithfulness, judgment, and restoration
The case against Israel
Hosea 4:1–10:15FocusIdolatry, injustice, and false security
FocusMemory, judgment, and healing
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.