Hosea 14:5

KJV

I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will be as the dew {H2919} unto Israel {H3478}: he shall grow {H6524} as the lily {H7799}, and cast forth {H5221} his roots {H8328} as Lebanon {H3844}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will be like dew to Isra'el; he will blossom like a lily and strike roots like the L'vanon.

Berean Standard Bible

I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily and take root like the cedars of Lebanon.

American Standard Version

I will be as the dew unto Israel; he shall blossom as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 14:5 presents a profound promise of divine restoration and flourishing for Israel, concluding the prophetic book with a vivid depiction of God's compassionate desire to heal and revive His people. Following a period of spiritual decline and impending judgment, this verse illustrates God's commitment to transform their barrenness into vibrant vitality, ensuring their growth, beauty, and enduring stability through His life-giving presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated in the final chapter of Hosea, marking a pivotal shift from pronouncements of judgment to a tender call for Israel's repentance and God's subsequent gracious response. The preceding chapters meticulously detail Israel's spiritual adultery through idolatry and unfaithful political alliances, portraying God's heartbreak over their apostasy. Chapter 14 opens with an earnest plea for Israel to "[return unto the LORD thy God](/hosea/14-1 "Hosea 14:1 - A Call to Return")" and confess their sins, emphasizing that true repentance involves forsaking their idols and trusting solely in God. Verse 5 is God's direct, compassionate reply to this potential repentance, painting a rich, tripartite picture of the renewal He promises to bring. It serves as the climax of God's restorative promises, demonstrating His unwavering love despite their unfaithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hosea prophesied primarily to the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) during a period of significant political instability and moral decay, roughly from the mid-8th century BCE leading up to its fall to Assyria in 722 BCE. The land of Israel, particularly its central and northern regions, relied heavily on rainfall and dew for agricultural sustenance. Dew, especially during the long, dry summers, was crucial for the survival of vegetation. The imagery of the "lily" (likely a general term for various beautiful, often fast-blooming flowers) and the majestic "cedars of Lebanon" were deeply ingrained in the Israelite consciousness. Lebanon, to the north, was renowned for its towering, deeply rooted cedars, symbolizing strength, longevity, and grandeur. These natural elements were potent symbols of life, beauty, and stability in an agrarian society, making God's promises highly relatable and impactful.
* **Key Themes:** Hosea 14:5 encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the book and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Restoration and Refreshing**, where God Himself is the active agent of renewal, much like the life-giving dew in an arid land. This speaks to God's tender care and His power to bring spiritual life where there was drought, echoing the [blessing of dew](/deuteronomy/33-28 "Deuteronomy 33:28 - The Blessing of Dew") in other scriptures. Secondly, the verse highlights **Vibrant Growth and Beauty**, symbolized by the lily. This is not merely survival but a return to spiritual and national prosperity, mirroring the spiritual flourishing described in [Psalm 92:12](/psalm/92-12 "Psalm 92:12 - The Flourishing Righteous"). Finally, the imagery of the cedars of Lebanon underscores **Deep Strength and Stability**, promising Israel not just superficial growth but enduring resilience, rooted firmly in God's faithfulness, comparable to the steadfastness of those who trust in the Lord as depicted in [Jeremiah 17:8](/jeremiah/17-8 "Jeremiah 17:8 - Blessed is the One Who Trusts in the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dew (Hebrew, _ṭal'_):** From the root meaning "to cover," this word refers to the moisture that settles on vegetation, especially at night. In an arid climate like Israel, dew was a vital source of hydration, sustaining plant life during dry seasons. It signifies a gentle, pervasive, and life-sustaining blessing from God, often associated with divine favor and refreshment.
* **grow (Hebrew, _pârach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom." This word generally implies spreading or flourishing, and specifically refers to the act of a plant blossoming or springing up. Figuratively, it denotes prosperity and vigorous development, suggesting rapid and visible flourishing.
* **Lebanon (Hebrew, _Lᵉbânôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "white," referring to the snow-capped mountains. Lebanon is a prominent mountain range north of Israel, famous for its majestic cedar trees. These cedars were renowned for their deep, extensive root systems, providing exceptional stability and longevity. As a symbol, Lebanon here represents enduring strength, deep rootedness, and permanence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will be as the dew unto Israel":** This clause declares God's active role as the source of Israel's restoration. The imagery of dew emphasizes God's gentle, pervasive, and life-giving presence. Just as dew silently and subtly nourishes the land, God promises to be the sustaining force for His people, bringing refreshment and vitality after a period of spiritual drought and judgment. This highlights His initiative and tender care.
* **"he shall grow as the lily":** This phrase vividly portrays the immediate and beautiful outcome of God's restorative work. The lily, known for its rapid and often vibrant bloom, symbolizes swift, visible, and beautiful flourishing. This indicates that Israel's renewal will not be slow or hidden, but a striking display of spiritual and national vitality, a return to health, beauty, and prosperity.
* **"and cast forth his roots as Lebanon":** This final clause speaks to the depth and permanence of the promised restoration. The cedars of Lebanon, famed for their deep and expansive root systems, represent profound stability, strength, and longevity. This imagery assures Israel that their renewal will not be superficial or fleeting, but deeply rooted, enabling them to withstand future challenges and endure for generations, firmly established in God's faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 14:5 is rich in **Simile**, using the comparative "as" to draw powerful parallels between God's action and its effect on Israel. God's presence is likened "as the dew," emphasizing His gentle, pervasive, and life-giving nature. Israel's growth is "as the lily," highlighting rapid, beautiful flourishing. Their stability is "as Lebanon," invoking the deep-rooted strength of its cedars. This consistent use of simile creates vivid **Imagery**, painting a tangible picture of restoration, growth, and endurance. The verse also employs a form of **Parallelism**, where each clause builds upon the previous one, moving from the source of blessing (God as dew) to its immediate effect (growth like a lily) and then to its lasting quality (roots like Lebanon), creating a cumulative and comprehensive vision of renewal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 14:5 beautifully encapsulates the biblical theme of divine grace triumphing over human sin, showcasing God's unwavering covenant faithfulness. Despite Israel's persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness, God's character is revealed as one who desires to heal and restore, not merely to punish. This verse underscores the transformative power of repentance, demonstrating that when His people turn back to Him, God actively intervenes to bring about profound spiritual and national renewal. The imagery speaks to a holistic restoration—from the subtle, life-giving presence of God (dew) to outward beauty and vitality (lily), culminating in deep, enduring strength and stability (Lebanon). It reflects God's ultimate purpose to establish His people firmly in His love and truth.

* [Isaiah 44:3](/isaiah/44-3 "Isaiah 44:3 - God Pours Water on the Thirsty")
* [Psalm 1:3](/psalm/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Blessed Man")
* [Jeremiah 31:12](/jeremiah/31-12 "Jeremiah 31:12 - Joyful Return")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 14:5 offers profound encouragement and a blueprint for spiritual restoration in our own lives. It assures us that no matter how far we may have strayed or how barren our spiritual landscape may seem, God's desire is always to heal, refresh, and establish us. When we humbly turn to Him in repentance, acknowledging our need for His grace, He promises to be our life-giving "dew," providing the gentle, consistent nourishment we need to thrive. This divine presence enables us to "grow as the lily," blossoming into spiritual beauty and vitality, reflecting His character to the world. Furthermore, He promises to help us "cast forth our roots as Lebanon," developing deep, resilient faith that can withstand the storms of life, anchoring us firmly in His truth and love. This verse is a powerful reminder that true flourishing comes from being deeply rooted in God, allowing His unfailing love to transform us from the inside out.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I feel a spiritual "drought," and how can I invite God to be my life-giving "dew" in those areas?**
* **What does "growing as the lily" look like in my personal walk with God, and what steps can I take to cultivate more visible spiritual beauty and vitality?**
* **How can I intentionally "cast forth my roots as Lebanon," deepening my faith and stability in Christ to better withstand life's challenges?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "dew" in the context of Hosea 14:5?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, particularly in the arid climate of Israel, dew was an indispensable source of moisture for vegetation, especially during the long, dry summer months when rainfall was scarce. Therefore, "dew" in Hosea 14:5 symbolizes God's gentle, pervasive, and life-sustaining blessing. It signifies His quiet yet powerful presence that refreshes, revives, and nourishes His people, bringing life and vitality where there was spiritual barrenness. It highlights God's tender care and His capacity to provide sustenance even in seemingly impossible conditions, much like the [manna that appeared with the dew](/exodus/16-14 "Exodus 16:14 - Manna and Dew").

**Why are the "lily" and "Lebanon" used as metaphors for Israel's restoration?**

Answer: The "lily" (Hebrew: _shûwshan_) is used to symbolize swift and beautiful flourishing. Lilies are known for their rapid growth and vibrant blooms, representing a quick and visible return to health and beauty after a period of decline. This imagery suggests that Israel's spiritual and national renewal will be striking and evident. "Lebanon" (Hebrew: _Lᵉbânôwn_) refers to the majestic cedar trees of the Lebanon mountains, renowned for their deep, extensive root systems that provide immense strength, stability, and longevity. By promising that Israel will "cast forth his roots as Lebanon," God assures His people that their restoration will not be superficial but deeply rooted, enduring, and resilient, capable of withstanding adversity, much like the [righteous who are like trees planted by streams of water](/psalm/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Blessed Man").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 14:5, with its rich imagery of divine restoration, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The promise of God being "as the dew unto Israel" foreshadows the life-giving Spirit poured out through Christ, who is the true source of spiritual refreshment and renewal for all who believe. Just as the dew brings life to a parched land, so Jesus, through His atoning work and the gift of the Holy Spirit, brings new life to spiritually dead souls, enabling them to "[grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ](/2_peter/3-18 "2 Peter 3:18 - Grow in Grace")". The imagery of growing "as the lily" speaks to the beauty and vitality of the new creation in Christ, as believers are transformed into His likeness, reflecting His glory and becoming "[a fragrant aroma of Christ](/2_corinthians/2-15 "2 Corinthians 2:15 - The Aroma of Christ")" to the world. Furthermore, casting forth "roots as Lebanon" points to the deep, unshakable stability found only in being "[rooted and established in love](/ephesians/3-17 "Ephesians 3:17 - Rooted in Love")" in Christ. He is the solid foundation upon whom believers are built, ensuring an enduring faith that "[cannot be shaken](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")" and a spiritual resilience that triumphs over all adversity, providing eternal security and strength in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 35:2

It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, [and] the excellency of our God.

Isaiah 27:6

He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.

Ephesians 3:17

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

Psalms 72:16

There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and [they] of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.

Deuteronomy 32:2

My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:

Matthew 6:28

And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

Job 29:19

My root [was] spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch.