Verse 1

return. Compare Hosea 12:6. Joel 2:13.

unto = quite up to. Hebrew "ad; not merely "toward", which would be "el.

for. Compare Hosea 13:9.

iniquity. Hebrew. "avah. App-44. Some codices, with three early printed editions and Septuagint, read "transgressions" (plural)

Verse 2

words. Note the correspondence in the Structure: confession commanded, and the command obeyed.

turn = return, or turn back, as in Hosea 14:1.

say. Compare Luke 15:18, Luke 15:19.

graciously = O Gracious One. See notes on Hosea 3:5, and Hosea 8:3. Eminent Jewish commentators take this as a title of the Messiah. There is no "us" in the Hebrew.

so will we render. Quoted in Hebrews 13:15.

render = pay (as vows) by offering what is due (Psalms 66:13, Psalms 66:14; Psalms 116:14, Psalms 116:18. Jonah 2:9).

calves = oxen. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6, for the sacrifices offered (Psalms 51:17).

lips. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), for the confession, &c, made by them. Compare Psalms 69:30, Psalms 69:31; Psalms 116:17; Psalms 141:2. Hebrews 13:15.

Verse 3

Asshur, &c. See Hosea 5:13, Hosea 12:1; and compare Jeremiah 31:18.

we will not ride. Some codices, with four early printed editions and Syriac, read "nor upon horses will we ride". Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 17:16). Compare Psalms 33:17. Isaiah 30:2, Isaiah 30:16; Isaiah 31:1.

the work of our hands. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6, for idols of all kinds.

for in Thee = O Thou in Whom.

the fatherless: i.e. Israel"s orphaned folk. Here we have the key to the symbolic names of Hos 1: Gomer shows that the measure of iniquity was full. Jezreel denotes the consequent scattering. Lo-Ruhamah (the second child, the girl) foreshadows Israel as the unpitied one. Lo-Ammi (the last child) denotes Israel"s present condition. Ammi represents Israel"s yet future position (Hosea 2:1). Ruhamah = pitied, Lo-Ruharnah"s new name (Hosea 2:23).

findeth mercy = Ruhamah = pitied. Referring to Israel"s final restoration. See note on Hosea 2:23.

Verse 4

back-sliding. Compare Hosea 11:7. Jeremiah 5:6; Jeremiah 14:7.

him: i.e. Israel.

Verse 5

the dew. See notes on Hosea 6:4; Hosea 13:3.

grow = blossom.

cast forth = strike out.

his roots. The spurs of Lebanon have the appearance of outspreading roots.

as = like [those of].

Verse 6

his smell = his fragrance, or be fragrant, like.

Verse 7

the scent thereof = his memory or remembrance [pleasant] as, &c. So the Septuagint

wine. Hebrew. yayin. App-27.

Verse 8

shall say. In obedience to the command in Hosea 14:1.

I have heard = I have heard and obeyed.

and observed = and regarded. Contrast Hosea 13:7.

I am like: or, I like a green cypress [will overshadow him]. A verb must he supplied. Referring to "shadow" in Hosea 14:7.

From Me, &c. This member is Jehovah"s reply. Note the emphatic "I" repeated. Compare Jeremiah 31:18.

thy fruit found. Fruitfulness provided, as well as protection and grace.

Verse 9

Who is wise . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6. Concluding the whole book, like Psalms 107:43.

wise. Hebrew. chakam (adjective) See note on Proverbs 1:2. Compare Psalms 107:43. Jeremiah 9:12. Daniel 12:10.

prudent = [who is] understanding? Hebrew. binah. See " note on Proverbs 1:2. Here it is the passive = gifted with understanding.

right = upright. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 32:4). Compare Job 26:14; Job 36:23. Psalms 18:30; Psalms 18:77, Psalms 18:19; Psalms 145:17. Proverbs 10:29. Daniel 4:37.

just = righteous.

transgressors. Hebrew. pasha". App-41ix.

fall therein = stumble in them. Compare Psalms 119:165. Proverbs 4:19; Proverbs 10:29; Proverbs 11:5; Proverbs 15:9. Micah 2:7. Nahum 3:3. 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Peter 2:7, 1 Peter 2:8.