Hosea 14

Israel’s Future Blessing

1O Israel, return [in repentance] to the LORD your God,
For you have stumbled and fallen [visited by tragedy], because of your sin. 2Take the words [confessing your guilt] with you and return to the LORD.
Say to Him, “Take away all our wickedness;
Accept what is good and receive us graciously,
So that we may present the fruit of our lips (gratitude). 3“Assyria will not save us;
We will not ride on horses [relying on military might],
Nor will we say again to [the idols who are] the work of our hands,
‘You are our gods.’
For in You [O LORD] the orphan finds love and compassion and mercy.” 4I will heal their apostasy and faithlessness;
I will love them freely,
For My anger has turned away from Israel. 5I shall be like the dew to Israel;
He will blossom like the lily,
And he will take root like the cedars of Lebanon. 6His shoots will sprout,
And his beauty will be like the olive tree
And his fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon. 7Those who live in his shadow
Will again raise grain,
And they will blossom like the vine.
His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon. 8O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols?
It is I who have answered and will care for you and watch over you.
I am like a luxuriant cypress tree;
With Me your fruit is found [which is to nourish you]. 9Whoever is [spiritually] wise, let him understand these things;
Whoever is [spiritually] discerning and understanding, let him know them.
For the ways of the LORD are right,
And the righteous will walk in them,
But transgressors will stumble and fall in them.