B. Restoration in spite of unfaithfulness 14:1-8

As usual in the major sections of Hosea, promises of restoration follow announcements of judgment. This final section of restoration promises begins with an appeal for repentance and closes with the prospect of full and complete restoration.

"In beauty of expression these final words of Hosea rank with the memorable chapters of the OT. Like the rainbow after a storm, they promise Israel's final restoration. Here is the full flowering of God's unfailing love for his faithless people, the triumph of his grace, the assurance of his healing--all described in imagery that reveals the loving heart of God."⁸⁶

 An appeal for repentance 14:1-3

14:1 Hosea appealed to Israel to return to Yahweh her God because her iniquities had caused her to stumble in her history as a nation. We know from Israel's history that Hosea's generation of Israelites did not repent, but still God's invitation was open and genuine.

14:2 The prophet counseled the people to return to the Lord with words (not animal sacrifices) that expressed their repentance. They should acknowledge their sins and request His removal of their iniquity (cf. 1 John 1:9). They should also ask Him to receive them graciously with a view to their praising Him with their lips (not offerings).

14:3 They should renounce confidence in Assyria (a synecdoche for political alliances) and war horses (military might) for their security and victory. They should also promise not to call their hand-made idols their gods (heterodox worship). And they should acknowledge that only from Him could vulnerable, dependent orphans such as themselves find mercy. They were orphans in that they had no other means of deliverance and support.

 A promise of restoration 14:4-8

14:4 When Israel repented, the Lord promised to heal the apostasy of the Israelites that had become a fatal sickness for them (cf. 6:1). He also promised to bestow His love on them generously because then He would no longer be angry with them.

14:5 He would descend on Israel with blessing like the dew. Instead of being dry and withered (13:15) Israel would blossom like the prolific spring lily (or crocus, cf. Song of Sol. 2:2). They would become as beautiful as an olive tree that is not only attractive but the source of beneficial products (cf. Ps. 52:8; Jer. 11:16). Israel would take root and grow strong, like a cedar of Lebanon (cf. Song of Sol. 4:11).

14:6 Israel would become productive and attractive to the eye and nose, namely, totally appealing. Shoots imply stability, beauty visibility, and fragrance desirability.

14:7 Other nations would also flourish as they benefited from Israel's good influence. The Israelites would again grow grain, a mark of covenant blessing (cf. 2:21-23; Deut. 28:4, 8, 11; 30:9; Amos 9:13-15). The nation would be like a fruitful vine that produced the best wine, no longer like a scraggly vine in the wilderness (10:1).

14:8 Ephraim would repudiate her dealings with idols (cf. 2:8; 4:17; 8:4-6), and the Lord would respond with a commitment to care for her. Formerly He lay in wait (Heb. shur) for Israel like a leopard ready to pounce on her in judgment (13:7), but now He would care (Heb. shur) for her. He would be the source of her fruit, like a cypress or pine tree that bears cones.

The Israelites have not yet met these conditions for restoration, and restoration has not yet come to them. Fulfillment awaits the return of Christ to the earth and His millennial reign that will follow. Then Israel will be blessed and will become a source of blessing for all the other nations of the world, as the prophet predicted.