Verse 1

O Israel, a return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.

(a) He exhorts them to repentance to avoid all these plagues, exhorting them to declare by words their obedience and repentance.

Verse 2

Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, b Take away all iniquity, and receive [us] graciously: so will we render the calves of our c lips.

(b) He shows them that they ought to confess their sins.

(c) Declaring that this is the true sacrifice that the faithful can offer, even thanks and praise; (Hebrews 13:15).

Verse 3

Asshur shall d 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.

(d) We will forsake all vain confidence and pride.

Verse 4

e I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.

(e) He declares how ready God is to receive those that do repent.

Verse 7

They that dwell under his f shadow shall return; they shall revive [as] the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof [shall be] as the wine of Lebanon.

(f) Whoever unites themselves to this people will be blessed.

Verse 8

Ephraim [shall say], What have I to do any more with idols? I g have heard [him], and observed him: I [am] like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found.

(g) God shows how prompt he is to hear his own when they repent, and to offer himself as a protection and safeguard for them, as a most sufficient fruit and benefit.

Verse 9

Who [is] h wise, and he shall understand these [things]? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD [are] right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

(h) Signifying that the true wisdom and knowledge consists in this, even to rest upon God.