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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Hosea 14:4–7. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here an answer of peace to the prayers of returning Israel. They seek God's face, and they shall not seek in vain. God will be sure to meet those in a way of mercy who return to him in a way of duty. If we speak to God in good prayers, God will speak to us in good promises, as he answered the angel with good words and comfortable words, Zac 1:13. If we take with us the foregoing words in our coming to God, we may take home with us these following words for our faith to feast upon; and see how these answer those.
I.Do they dread and deprecate God's displeasure, and therefore return to him? He assures them that, upon their submission, his anger is turned away from them. This is laid as the ground of all the other favours here promised. I will do so and so, for my anger is turned away, and thereby a door is opened for all good to flow to them, Isa 12:1. Note, Though God is justly and greatly angry with sinners, yet he is not implacable in his anger; it may be turned away; it shall be turned away, from those that turn away from their iniquity. God will be reconciled to those that are reconciled to him and to his whole will.
II.Do they pray for the taking away of iniquity? He assures them that he will heal their backslidings; so he promised, Jer 3:22.
Note, Though backslidings from God are the dangerous diseases and wounds of the soul, yet they are not incurable, for God has graciously promised that if backsliding sinners will apply to him as their physician, and comply with his methods, he will heal their backslidings. He will heal the guilt of their backslidings by pardoning mercy and their bent to backslide by renewing grace. Their iniquity shall not be their ruin.
III.Do they pray that God will receive them graciously? In answer to that, behold, it is promised, I will love them freely.
God had hated them while they went on sin (Hos 9:15); but now that they return and repent he loves them, not only ceases to be angry with them, but takes complacency in them and designs their good. He loves them freely, with an absolute entire love (so some), so that there are no remains of his former displeasure, with a liberal bountiful love (so others); he will be open-handed in his love to them, and will think nothing too much to bestow upon them or to do for them. Or with a cheerful willing love; he will love them without reluctancy or renitency. He will not say in the day of thy repentance, How shall I receive thee again? as he said in the day of thy apostasy, How shall I give thee up? Or with an unmerited preventing love. Whom God loves he loves freely, not because they deserve it, but of his own good pleasure. He loves because he will love, Deut, Hos 7:7, Hos 7:8.
IV.Do they pray that God will give good, will make them good? In answer to that, behold, it is promised, I will be as the dew unto Israel, Hos 14:5. Observe,
1.What shall be the favour God will bestow upon them. It is the blessing of their father Jacob, God give thee the dew of heaven, Gen 27:28. Nay, what they need God will not only give them, but he will himself be that to them, all that which they need: I will be as the dew unto Israel. This ensures spiritual blessings in heavenly things; and it follows upon the healing of their backslidings, for pardoning mercy is always accompanied with renewing grace. Note, To Israelites indeed God himself will be as the dew. He will instruct them; his doctrine shall drop upon them as the dew, Deu 32:2. They shall know more and more of him, for he will come to them as the rain, Hos 6:3. He will refresh them with his comforts, so that their souls shall be as a watered garden, Isa 58:11. He will be to true penitents as the dew to Israel when they were in the wilderness, dew that had manna in it, Exo 16:14; Num 11:9. The graces of the Spirit are the hidden manna, hidden in the dew; God will give them bread from heaven, as he did to Israel in the dew in abundance, Joh 1:16.
2.What shall be the fruit of that favour which shall be produced in them. The grace thus freely bestowed on them shall not be in vain. Those souls, those Israelites, to whom God is as the dew, on whom his grace distils,
(1.)Shall be growing. The bad being by the grace of God made good, they shall by the same grace be made better; for grace, wherever it is true, is growing.
[1.]They shall grow upwards, and be more flourishing, shall grow as the lily, or (as some read it) shall blossom as the rose. The growth of the lily, as that of all bulbous roots, is very quick and speedy. The root of the lily seems lost in the ground all winter, but, when it is refreshed with the dews of the spring, it starts up in a little time; so the grace of God improves young converts sometimes very fast. The lily, when it has come to its height, is a lovely flower (Mat 6:29), so grace is the comeliness of the soul, Eze 16:14. it is the beauty of holiness that is produced by the dew of the morning, Psa 110:3.
[2.]They shall grow downwards, and be more firm. The lily indeed grows fast, and grows fine, but it soon fades and is easily plucked up; and therefore it is here promised to Israel that with the flower of the lily he shall have the root of the cedar: He shall cast forth his roots as Lebanon, as the trees of Lebanon, which, having taken deep root, cannot be plucked up, Amo 9:15. Note, Spiritual growth consists most in the growth of the root, which is out of sight. The more we depend upon Christ and draw sap and virtue from him, the more we act in religion from a principle and the more steadfast and resolved we are in it, the more we cast forth our roots.
[3.]They shall grow round about (Hos 14:6): His branches shall spread on all sides. And (Hos 14:7) he shall grow as the vine, whose branches extend furthest of any tree. Joseph was to be a fruitful bough, Gen 49:22. When many are added to the church from without, when a hopeful generation rises up, then Israel's branches spread. When particular believers abound in good works, and increase in the knowledge of God and in every good gift, then their branches may be said to spread. The inward man is renewed day by day.
(2.)They shall be graceful and acceptable both to God and man. Grace is the amiable thing, and makes those that have it truly amiable. They are here compared to such trees as are pleasant,
[1.]To the sight: His beauty shall be as the olive-tree, which is always green. The Lord called thy name a green olive-tree, Jer 11:16. Ordinances are the beauty of the church, and in them it is, and shall be, ever green. Holiness is the beauty of a soul; when those that believe with the heart make profession with the mouth, and justify and adorn that profession with an agreeable conversation, then their beauty is as the olive-tree, Psa 52:8. It is a promise to the trees of righteousness that their leaf shall not wither.
[2.]To the smell: His smell shall be as Lebanon (Hos 14:6) and his scent as the wine of Lebanon, Hos 14:7. This was the praise of their father Jacob, The smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord has blessed, Gen 27:27. The church is compared to a garden of spices (Sol 4:12, Sol 4:14), which all her garments smell of. True believers are acceptable to God and approved of men. God smells a sweet savour from their spiritual sacrifices (Gen 8:21), and they are accepted of the multitude of the brethren. Grace is the perfume of the soul, the perfume of the name, makes it like a precious ointment, Ecc 7:1. The memorial thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon (so the margin reads it), not only their reviving comforts now, but their surviving honours when they are gone, shall be as the wine of Lebanon, that has a delicate flavour. Flourishing churches have their faith spoken of throughout the world (Rom 1:8) and leave their name to be remembered (Psa 45:17); and the memory of flourishing saints is blessed, and shall be so, as theirs who by faith obtained a good report.
(3.)They shall be fruitful and useful. The church is compared here to the vine and the olive, which brings forth useful fruits, to the honour of God and man. Nay, the very shadow of the church shall be agreeable (Hos 14:7): Those that dwell under his shadow shall return - under God's shadow (so some), under the shadow of the Messias, so the Chaldee. Believers dwell under God's shadow (Psa 91:1), and there they are and may be safe and easy. But it is rather under the shadow of Israel, under the shadow of the church. Note, God's promises pertain to those, and those only, that dwell under the church's shadow, that attend on God's ordinances and adhere to his people, not those that flee to that shadow only for shelter in a hot gleam, but those that dwell under it. Psa 27:4. We may apply it to particular believers; when a man is effectually brought home to God all that dwell under his shadow - children, servants, subjects, friends. This day has salvation come to this house. Those that dwell under the shadow of the church shall return; their drooping spirits shall return, and they shall be refreshed and comforted. He restores my soul, Psa 23:3. They shall revive as the corn, which, when it is sown, dies first, and then revives, and brings forth much fruit, Joh 12:24. It is promised that God's people shall be blessings to the world, as corn and wine are. And a very great and valuable mercy it is to be serviceable to our generation. Comfort and honour attend it.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them. I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily; he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon; his shoots shall spread out; his beauty shall be like the olive, and his fragrance like Lebanon. They shall return and dwell beneath my shadow; they shall flourish like the grain; they shall blossom like the vine; their fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon. O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; from me comes your fruit." LXX: "I will heal their inhabitants; I will love them openly, for my anger has turned away from them. I will be like dew for Israel; he shall blossom like the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be like the olive tree, and his fragrance like Lebanon. They shall return, and sit under his shade; they shall drink and be filled with the grain, and they shall flourish like the vine; the memory of Ephraim shall be as wine. What will he have more to do with idols? I have humbled him, and I will strengthen him; I am as a cypress tree, your fruit has come forth from me." Turning to repentance, and like an orphan recognizing the father whom they had abandoned, God responded: "I will heal their contrition," or "their dwelling places" in which they had been wounded, or broken, or in which they had lived so poorly: "I will love them freely;" which the LXX translated as "confessing" or "clearly" and "openly," or "without any doubt." But the Lord loves those who love him, of whom he also says in another place: "I love those who love me" (Prov. 8:17). For I used to be angry with them because of the sins they had committed, but now I will have mercy on them because of my clemency. And I will be to them as dew, so as to extinguish the Babylonian furnace and the furnace of burning heat with my moisture, which I spoke through the patriarch Isaac to my servant Jacob: 'Your dwelling place will be from the dew of heaven.' For just as the Lord becomes for believers light, way, truth, bread, vine, fire, shepherd, lamb, gate, worm, etc. Thus, to those in need of His mercy, and inflamed with the fever of sin, He is turned to us as dew, whom Isaiah says: "For when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness." (Isai. XXVI, 9) And in the Song of Deuteronomy, Moses speaks: "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" (Deut. XXXII, 2). But when the Lord has sprinkled us with His dew, and moistened the dryness of our hearts with His rain, we will flourish, and indeed flower into usefulness, imitating the Lord and Savior, who says in the Song of Songs: "I am the flower of the field and the lily of the valley" (Cant. II, 1), and speaks to His bride, who has no wrinkle or blemish: "As a lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters." And when we grow in the Lord, we will send down our roots like the trees of Lebanon, which rise as high as the heavens, so sink as low in the earth, that they may not be shaken by any storm, but remain steadfast. The branches of these trees are stretched out here and there, so that the birds of the sky may come and dwell in them. And lest we might think because it was said, his root shall break forth, or his roots shall be like Lebanon, that he speaks of cedar and unfruitful trees, he likens the holy man, converted to the Lord, to fruitful olive trees, who says in another place: "But I am like a fruitful olive tree in the house of God" (Psalm LI, 1). Five wise virgins have prepared their fruit, from which the swelling of wounds is mitigated, the limbs of the languishing rest, light is kindled in the darkness, those who fight in agony are anointed. This olive will have a fragrance like that of Lebanon or frankincense, which is a kind of incense. It is called the same thing among Greeks and Hebrews, both the mountain and the incense, or certainly the mountain of Lebanon. It is very fertile and green, protected by the thickest hair of trees, so that the olive may say: "We are the good odor of Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:16). But whoever turns to the Lord will receive the reward of his conversion, to sit in His shadow and say: "I rested and sat down under His shadow, and His fruit is sweet to my mouth" (Song of Solomon 2:3). And when they sit in its shade, they who were once dead will live again, and they will drink and be drunken with wheat, that is, with the abundance of all things. And that this drunkenness here does not mean a disturbance of the mind, but the abundance of all things, that verse declares, saying, 'You have visited the earth and made it drunk' (Ps. 64:10). And Joseph's banquet, in which it is said that he made his brothers drunk (Gen. 43). And the Lord speaking to the apostles: "Eat, my friends, and drink, and be drunk, brethren" (Cant. V,1). Whether because our Lord himself is the grain and vine, whoever believes in him is said to be intoxicated. Finally it follows: "And his memorial shall flourish as the vine, as wine of Libanus." But we can call wine Libanus mixed and seasoned with thyme, so that it has the sweetest smell, or wine Libanus which is offered to the Lord in the temple, about which we read under the name of Libanus in Zacharias: "Open," "your gates, O Libanus" (Zach. XI,1). When the abundance of things is about to come to an end, O Ephraim, you who repent and have begun to be mine, cast away your idols and despise your images; for I am the one who humbled you, and I will exalt you, and whether I hear and direct you, I will make you like a green fir tree, so that it shall be said of you according to the Hebrews in the Psalm: "The fir tree is the house of the Lord." (Psalm 104:18). Or certainly I will be as a fir tree that is dense, so that one may rest in my shade. About the juniper, which is "ἀρκεύθοις" in Greek according to the Septuagint, it is recorded that Solomon made the doors of the temple, because Christ, through whom we approach the Father, has this nature, that it always flourishes, always brings forth new fruit, and never loses its vigor. This juniper, while those resting under its shade may not be struck by the fever of this world and, like those who once hit Jonah (Ch. IV), it provides food and not only rest to those who sleep and sit; but also satiety to those who eat. Whatever we have interpreted according to allegory, in the coming of the Lord and Savior and the conversion of true Israel, can refer to heretics and Jews as well as to misguided nations and all perverse teachings: so that they attain pardon when they repent. If, therefore, the fullness of the promise has been fulfilled in the coming of the Savior and is daily fulfilled in the Church, it is to be believed that it will be more fully completed when perfection arrives, which is now in part, will be destroyed. Note that we have often said, the safety of Israel and the return to the Lord, and the redemption from captivity, is not to be accepted carnally, as the Jews think, but spiritually, as is most truly proved.
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Summary
Hosea 14:6 presents a vivid prophetic promise of Israel's future restoration and spiritual flourishing after repentance. Through rich agricultural and natural imagery, the verse depicts a nation renewed by divine grace, characterized by expansive growth, enduring beauty and fruitfulness, and a pleasant, God-honoring influence, symbolizing a return to covenant blessing and a vibrant relationship with the Lord.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within the concluding chapter of the Book of Hosea, which marks a profound shift from sustained pronouncements of judgment against Israel's idolatry and unfaithfulness to a tender, impassioned call for repentance and glorious promises of restoration. Following detailed indictments of Israel's spiritual adultery and the consequences thereof, Hosea 14 opens with an earnest plea for the nation to "return unto the LORD" (Hosea 14:1). God's response is immediate and overwhelmingly gracious, declaring in Hosea 14:4, "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him." Verses 5-7 then elaborate on the bountiful blessings that will ensue from this spiritual renewal, portraying Israel as a lush, thriving garden, a stark contrast to the barrenness and desolation often threatened in earlier chapters due to their sin. This verse, therefore, serves as a powerful testament to God's redemptive power and unwavering covenant faithfulness.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Book of Hosea was delivered during a turbulent period in the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria), spanning the reigns of several kings, leading up to its eventual fall to Assyria in 722 BC. The nation had deeply entrenched itself in idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal, and had pursued foreign alliances rather than trusting in the Lord. This spiritual apostasy led to moral decay, social injustice, and political instability. In an agrarian society like ancient Israel, agricultural imagery held profound significance. Concepts like spreading branches, olive trees, and the fragrant cedars of Lebanon were not merely poetic embellishments but deeply resonant symbols of prosperity, stability, divine blessing, and national identity. The olive tree, in particular, was a staple of the Mediterranean economy, valued for its oil, fruit, and longevity, often symbolizing peace, prosperity, and endurance. Lebanon was renowned for its majestic cedar forests, symbolizing strength, beauty, and a pleasant aroma. Thus, the promises in Hosea 14:6 would have conveyed a tangible vision of restoration that directly addressed the nation's historical and spiritual decline.
Key Themes
Hosea 14:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of Divine Restoration and Healing, which underscores God's willingness to heal His people from their spiritual sickness and backsliding (Hosea 14:4). This verse illustrates the tangible outcomes of that healing: flourishing, beauty, and pleasantness. Another key theme is Covenant Faithfulness, as God's promises of restoration demonstrate His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in the face of their persistent unfaithfulness. The imagery of the olive tree and Lebanon also highlights Spiritual Fruitfulness and Blessing, portraying Israel not just as surviving, but thriving and becoming a source of blessing and beauty. It contrasts sharply with earlier depictions of Israel as a "degenerate plant" (Jeremiah/2-21) or a "vine emptied" (Hosea 10:1). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of Repentance and Transformation, as this glorious future is contingent upon Israel's turning back to the Lord with sincere repentance, as called for in Hosea 14:1-3.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This feminine noun, derived from a root meaning "to suckle," refers to a "sprout," "tender branch," or "young twig." It emphasizes new, tender growth, suggesting vitality, freshness, and the beginning of a renewed life cycle. The imagery points to a vigorous, burgeoning expansion, not merely survival but a flourishing new generation or phase of existence.
A primitive root meaning "to walk" (literally or figuratively), but here used causatively to mean "to cause to go," "to march," or "to spread." In this context, it vividly describes the outward extension and vigorous growth of the branches, indicating expansion, influence, and widespread prosperity. It implies dynamic, unhindered progress and proliferation.
From an unused root, this noun signifies "grandeur," "imposing form and appearance," "majesty," "glory," or "excellency." It conveys more than mere physical attractiveness; it speaks of an inherent splendor, dignity, and a God-given magnificence that commands respect and admiration. This suggests Israel's restored state will possess an intrinsic, glorious quality.
Likely from a root related to "to shine" (as yielding illuminating oil), this refers to the olive tree, its branch, or its berry. The olive tree was a symbol of peace, prosperity, longevity, and enduring fruitfulness in the ancient world, known for its consistent yield of valuable oil. Its inclusion here highlights resilience, a deep-rooted existence, and continuous productivity.
Verse Breakdown
"His branches shall spread"
This clause initiates the imagery of robust, unhindered growth. "His" refers to Israel, now envisioned as a thriving plant or tree. The "branches" (Hebrew yôwneqeth) signify new, tender shoots, emphasizing vitality and a burgeoning new life. The verb "spread" (Hebrew yâlak) conveys expansive, outward growth, suggesting a wide-reaching influence and abundant prosperity, indicating that the restored nation will not be confined but will extend its reach and impact.
"and his beauty shall be as the olive tree"
This phrase introduces a simile, comparing Israel's restored "beauty" (Hebrew hôwd, meaning grandeur or majesty) to that of an "olive tree." The olive tree, known for its longevity, resilience, and consistent production of valuable oil, symbolizes enduring fruitfulness, peace, and prosperity. This comparison suggests that Israel's renewed state will possess an inherent, majestic splendor and a deep-rooted, lasting quality, marked by spiritual fruitfulness and divine favor rather than fleeting external adornment.
"and his smell as Lebanon."
This final clause employs another simile, likening Israel's "smell" (Hebrew rêyach, a pleasant aroma) to that of "Lebanon." Lebanon was famous for its majestic cedar forests and aromatic plants, which produced a delightful fragrance. This imagery signifies a pleasant presence, a good reputation, and a delightful aroma that ascends to God, indicating divine acceptance and favor. It speaks to the restoration of Israel's spiritual fragrance before God and among nations, suggesting that their character and worship will be pleasing and attractive, drawing others to the Lord.
Literary Devices
Hosea 14:6 is rich in Imagery, painting a vivid picture of flourishing through natural elements. The central device is Simile, explicitly comparing Israel's beauty to "the olive tree" and its smell to "Lebanon," using the comparative "as." This allows the prophet to transfer the well-understood qualities of these natural elements—the olive tree's resilience, longevity, and fruitfulness, and Lebanon's majestic beauty and pleasant fragrance—onto the restored nation of Israel. The verse also employs Metaphor by implicitly portraying Israel as a thriving tree or plant whose "branches shall spread," suggesting organic growth and expansion. This Personification of Israel as a living organism capable of spreading and possessing beauty and smell further enhances the vividness of the prophetic vision. The overall effect is one of profound Symbolism, where the natural world becomes a powerful representation of spiritual renewal, divine blessing, and a return to a state of grace and fruitfulness.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Hosea 14:6 beautifully encapsulates God's profound desire for the restoration of His people, illustrating that divine healing transforms barrenness into abundant life. It underscores the biblical principle that repentance leads to renewal, and that God's grace is sufficient to not only forgive but to actively re-establish His people in a state of flourishing and beauty. The imagery of the olive tree and Lebanon connects to broader biblical themes of prosperity, peace, and a pleasing offering to God. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's ultimate intention for His covenant people is not judgment, but abundant life and spiritual vitality, making them a fragrant testimony in the world.
Reflection and Application
Hosea 14:6 offers a profound message of hope and transformation for individuals and communities today. It assures us that even after periods of spiritual decline, unfaithfulness, or barrenness, God's desire is to restore and make us fruitful when we genuinely turn back to Him. This verse encourages us to trust in God's power to heal our "backsliding" and to love us "freely," just as He promised Israel. Just as Israel was promised to flourish with spreading branches, enduring beauty like the olive tree, and a pleasant "smell" like Lebanon, believers can experience a similar spiritual renewal. Our lives, when submitted to God, can grow expansively in influence, exhibit a resilient and beautiful character that reflects Christ, and emit a "fragrance" of godliness that is pleasing to God and attractive to others. This promise calls us to embrace repentance, trust in God's restorative grace, and live lives that continually bear spiritual fruit, reflecting His glory in the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does the "olive tree" symbolize in this verse?
In Hosea 14:6, the "olive tree" (Hebrew zayith) symbolizes enduring beauty, resilience, and consistent fruitfulness. In the ancient world, the olive tree was highly valued for its longevity, its ability to thrive in harsh conditions, and its continuous production of oil, which was essential for light, food, and anointing. Therefore, comparing Israel's beauty to the olive tree signifies a deep-rooted, lasting prosperity and a spiritual fruitfulness that is both beautiful and beneficial. It speaks of a people who are not only aesthetically pleasing but also productive and stable, reflecting God's blessing and covenant faithfulness, much like the righteous are described as flourishing in Psalm 52:8.
Why is the "smell as Lebanon" significant?
The phrase "his smell as Lebanon" evokes the renowned fragrance of the cedar forests and aromatic plants that covered the mountains of Lebanon. This imagery signifies a pleasant presence, a good reputation, and a delightful aroma that ascends to God. In the Old Testament, a "pleasing aroma" often described offerings acceptable to God, as seen in Leviticus 1:9. Thus, Israel's restored "smell" implies divine acceptance, favor, and a character that is spiritually pleasing and attractive, both to God and to the nations. It suggests that their renewed worship and way of life will be a beautiful and fragrant testimony, contrasting with their former spiritual stench of idolatry.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Hosea 14:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His work of redemption. While initially a promise to Israel, the imagery of flourishing, beauty, and pleasantness points to the spiritual reality of new life in Christ. Jesus Himself is the true "root" and "vine" from whom all spiritual life and fruitfulness flow, as He declares in John 15:5, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit." Through union with Christ, believers become those whose "branches shall spread," growing in grace and extending the influence of the Gospel throughout the world (Acts 1:8). Our "beauty" is not our own, but the imputed righteousness of Christ and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, making us "beautiful" in God's sight, like the resilient "olive tree" that endures and bears fruit even in difficult seasons (Romans 11:17-24). Furthermore, the "smell as Lebanon" finds its fulfillment in believers becoming the "aroma of Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:15), a pleasing fragrance to God and a testimony to the world, drawing others to the sweetness of His salvation. Thus, the spiritual flourishing promised in Hosea is fully realized in the new creation, where believers, united with Christ, embody true beauty, enduring fruitfulness, and a life that is a fragrant offering to God.