Hosea, chapter 14
This final chapter begins by calling Israel to turn away from sin and return to the Lord. It ends with the Lord's promise to forgive and heal Israel. If the people of Israel obey the Lord, the Lord will take care of them. But if they return to their sinful ways they will fall again.
Turn Back to the Lord
srael, return! Come back to the Lord, your God.
Sin has made you fall.
2Return to the Lord and say, “Please forgive our sins.
Accept our good sacrifices of praise instead of bulls.
3Assyria can't save us, and chariots can't help.
So we will no longer worship the idols we have made.
Our Lord, you show mercy to orphans.”
The Lord Promises To Forgive
4Israel, you have rejected me, but my anger is gone;
I will heal you and love you without limit.
5I will be like the dew— then you will blossom like lilies
and have roots like a tree.
6Your branches will spread with the beauty of an olive tree
and with the aroma of Lebanon Forest.
7You will rest in my shade, and your grain will grow.
You will blossom like a vineyard
and be famous as the wine from Lebanon.
8Israel, give up your idols!
I will answer your prayers and take care of you.
I am that glorious tree, the source of your fruit.
9 If you are wise, you will know and understand what I mean.
I am the Lord, and I lead you along the right path.
If you obey me, we will walk together,
but if you are wicked, you will stumble.