Hosea 14:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

They that dwell {H3427} under his shadow {H6738} shall return {H7725}; they shall revive {H2421} as the corn {H1715}, and grow {H6524} as the vine {H1612}: the scent {H2143} thereof shall be as the wine {H3196} of Lebanon {H3844}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Again they will live in his shade and raise grain; they will blossom like a vine, and its aroma will be like the wine of the L'vanon.

Berean Standard Bible

They will return and dwell in his shade; they will grow grain and blossom like the vine. His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon.

American Standard Version

They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the grain, and blossom as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 14:7 presents a vivid prophetic vision of God's promised restoration and abundant blessing for His people upon their sincere return to Him. Following a heartfelt call to repentance, this verse employs rich agricultural metaphors to depict a transformed community that finds secure refuge under divine protection, experiences profound spiritual revival and flourishing fruitfulness, and radiates a pleasing, renowned excellence, much like the prized wine of Lebanon. It encapsulates the glorious outcome of renewed covenant faithfulness and God's unwavering grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 14:7 is nestled within the concluding chapter of the Book of Hosea, which marks a dramatic shift from the preceding chapters' severe pronouncements of judgment against Israel's pervasive idolatry and spiritual adultery. Chapter 14 opens with an urgent and tender invitation from God for Israel to "return unto the Lord" ([Hosea 14:1](/hosea/14-1 "Hosea 14:1 - Call to Repentance")). This call is immediately followed by God's gracious promises of healing their backsliding and loving them freely ([Hosea 14:4](/hosea/14-4 "Hosea 14:4 - God's Promise to Heal and Love Freely")). The subsequent verses, including verse 7, elaborate on the tangible, life-giving blessings that will flow from this divine restoration, using a series of vibrant agricultural images to convey renewed vitality, prosperity, and renown. It serves as the hopeful climax to a book otherwise dominated by themes of judgment and unfaithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Hosea addresses the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) during a period of significant political instability and moral decline, roughly from the mid-8th century BCE leading up to its fall to Assyria in 722 BCE. Israel had abandoned its covenant with Yahweh, engaging in widespread Baal worship, political alliances with foreign powers, and social injustice. The agricultural metaphors used in Hosea 14:7 would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society dependent on rain, fertile soil, and successful harvests. "Corn" (grain) and "vine" were staples of the Israelite economy and diet, symbolizing sustenance, prosperity, and blessing. Lebanon, renowned for its majestic cedars and fertile valleys, was famous throughout the ancient Near East for producing exceptional, fragrant wine, signifying a pinnacle of quality and desirability. The imagery thus speaks directly to the Israelite experience, promising a return to a state of blessing and abundance that contrasted sharply with the barrenness and desolation threatened by divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Hosea 14:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Restoration and Healing**, emphasizing God's readiness to "heal their backsliding" ([Hosea 14:4](/hosea/14-4 "Hosea 14:4 - God's Promise to Heal and Love Freely")) and bring life out of spiritual death. Secondly, the verse underscores **Covenant Faithfulness and Return**, portraying the blessings that accrue when God's people "return" to Him, fulfilling their part of the covenant relationship. Thirdly, it vividly illustrates **Abundance and Fruitfulness** as a hallmark of God's blessing, moving beyond mere survival to a flourishing existence, reminiscent of the prosperity promised in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience"). Finally, the imagery of "dwelling under his shadow" speaks to **Divine Protection and Refuge**, a recurring biblical motif found in passages like [Psalm 91:1](/psalms/91-1 "Psalm 91:1 - Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High"), assuring security and peace in God's presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From H7725, this primitive root means "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again." In Hosea 14:7, "return" signifies a spiritual turning back to God from a state of apostasy or wandering. It implies repentance, a change of direction, and a restoration of relationship, which is the prerequisite for the blessings described.
* **Revive (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** From H2421, this primitive root means "to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive." It encompasses notions of being restored to life, quickened, preserved alive, or made whole. Here, it vividly portrays a spiritual resurrection from barrenness or dormancy, indicating a new influx of vitality and life into the previously withered people.
* **Scent (Hebrew, _zêker'_):** From H2143, this word primarily means "a memento, abstractly recollection; by implication, commemoration; memorial, memory, remembrance." While its primary meaning relates to memory, it is used here to denote a pleasant "scent" or "fragrance," implying that the restored people will leave a lasting, positive impression or reputation, like a fragrant memorial, reflecting their renewed state and God's glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They that dwell under his shadow shall return;"**: This clause introduces the beneficiaries of God's restoration: those who choose to seek refuge and protection under His divine authority and presence. The act of "returning" (Hebrew: _shûwb_) is pivotal, signifying a turning away from sin and back to God in repentance and renewed covenant loyalty. It implies a conscious decision to abide in His protective care, which then enables the subsequent blessings.
* **"they shall revive [as] the corn, and grow as the vine:"**: This segment employs two powerful agricultural similes to describe the spiritual and material transformation. To "revive as the corn" (grain) speaks of a resurrection from a state of spiritual death or dormancy, akin to seeds sprouting new life after winter. It denotes a fundamental renewal of vitality and sustenance. To "grow as the vine" further emphasizes steady, consistent, and abundant growth, leading to fruitfulness. This imagery points to a flourishing life, indicative of God's blessing and the productivity that flows from a right relationship with Him.
* **"the scent thereof [shall be] as the wine of Lebanon."**: This final clause describes the quality and renown of the restored people. The "scent" (Hebrew: _zêker_, implying a fragrant memory or reputation) being "as the wine of Lebanon" refers to the highly prized, aromatic wine produced in the fertile regions of Lebanon. This simile suggests that the restored community will not only be inwardly fruitful but will also possess an outward excellence, a pleasant reputation, and a desirable influence that brings honor to God and is recognized and celebrated by others.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 14:7 is rich in **Imagery**, particularly agricultural and sensory, which makes the prophetic promise tangible and relatable. The use of "shadow," "corn," "vine," and "wine of Lebanon" evokes vivid mental pictures of protection, growth, sustenance, and delightful quality. The verse employs prominent **Simile**, comparing the revived people to "corn" and "vine" ("as the corn," "as the vine"), and their "scent" to "the wine of Lebanon" ("as the wine of Lebanon"). These comparisons draw parallels between the natural world's cycles of growth and abundance and the spiritual renewal God offers. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for the spiritual state of Israel. The physical flourishing of crops and vines, and the renown of fine wine, serve as a comprehensive metaphor for the spiritual health, prosperity, and attractive witness of a people reconciled with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 14:7 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding commitment to restoration and His desire for His people to thrive under His care. It underscores the transformative power of repentance, demonstrating that turning back to God initiates a process of healing and renewal that touches every facet of life—from secure protection to abundant fruitfulness and a fragrant reputation. This verse beautifully encapsulates the biblical truth that God's grace is not merely forgiving but actively restorative, bringing life out of desolation and beauty out of brokenness. It affirms that true flourishing is found in abiding in His presence and aligning with His will.

* [Psalm 91:1](/psalms/91-1 "Psalm 91:1 - Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High")
* [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Jesus, the True Vine")
* [Isaiah 61:11](/isaiah/61-11 "Isaiah 61:11 - Righteousness Springing Forth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 14:7 offers a profound source of hope and encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that no matter how far we may have strayed or how barren our spiritual lives may seem, God's grace is always available to bring about a deep and lasting revival. The call to "return" is a perpetual invitation to repentance and renewed intimacy with Him. When we choose to "dwell under his shadow," we find not only protection but also the very source of life that enables us to "revive as the corn" and "grow as the vine." This means experiencing a fresh outpouring of spiritual vitality, bearing the fruit of the Spirit, and living a life that is attractive and impactful, like the "wine of Lebanon," drawing others to the goodness of God. Our lives, when surrendered to His transforming power, become a testament to His restorative love, radiating His character and truth to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to "return" to God, seeking His shadow and protection?**
* **How might I allow God to "revive" and "grow" me, leading to greater spiritual fruitfulness?**
* **What "scent" or reputation does my life currently bear, and how can it better reflect the "wine of Lebanon" for God's glory?**

### FAQ

**What does "They that dwell under his shadow" mean?**

Answer: This phrase signifies finding refuge, protection, and security under God's sovereign care and presence. The "shadow" here is a metaphor for divine shelter, much like a large tree provides shade and protection from the elements. It implies a relationship of trust and dependence, where individuals choose to abide in God's protective embrace, acknowledging Him as their ultimate defender and provider. It echoes the sentiment found in [Psalm 91:1](/psalms/91-1 "Psalm 91:1 - Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High"), "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

**How do "corn" and "vine" symbolize restoration?**

Answer: In an agrarian society, "corn" (grain) and "vine" were fundamental symbols of life, sustenance, and prosperity. "Corn" represents basic provision and the renewal of life from seed, while the "vine" symbolizes consistent growth, fruitfulness, and abundance. When the people "revive as the corn" and "grow as the vine," it signifies a comprehensive spiritual and material restoration. It means moving from a state of spiritual barrenness and desolation, often a consequence of sin, to a renewed state of vitality, productivity, and flourishing under God's blessing, much like a field that yields a bountiful harvest after a period of drought.

**What is the significance of "the wine of Lebanon"?**

Answer: Lebanon was renowned in the ancient world for its fertile soil, majestic cedars, and particularly for producing high-quality, fragrant wine. The "wine of Lebanon" was considered a premium product, symbolizing excellence, delight, and a pleasant aroma. Therefore, when the "scent" (or reputation/memory) of the restored people is compared to the "wine of Lebanon," it indicates that their renewed state will not only be inwardly fruitful but will also possess an outward excellence, a desirable reputation, and a pleasant influence that is recognized and celebrated by others. It speaks of a flourishing that brings honor to God and attracts others to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 14:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "shadow" under which God's people dwell for protection and restoration is fully realized in Christ, who is our ultimate refuge and shelter from the storms of sin and judgment. He is the true source of life and revival, fulfilling the promise that "they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine." Jesus Himself declared, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit" ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Jesus, the True Vine")). Through union with Him, believers experience the spiritual quickening and abundant life that Hosea prophesied, moving from spiritual death to vibrant new life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life in Christ")). Furthermore, the "scent thereof [shall be] as the wine of Lebanon" points to the attractive and glorious witness of Christ's church, which, through Him, becomes "the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life" ([2_corinthians/2-16](/2_corinthians/2-16 "2 Corinthians 2:16 - The Aroma of Christ")). In Christ, the repentance and return of Hosea's prophecy are made possible, and the promised flourishing is eternally secured, making His people a fragrant offering to God and a radiant light to the world.

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

Psalms 91:1

¶ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Song Of Solomon 6:11

¶ I went down into the garden of nuts to see the fruits of the valley, [and] to see whether the vine flourished, [and] the pomegranates budded.

Hosea 14:5

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

Psalms 138:7

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

Isaiah 32:1

¶ Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment.

Isaiah 32:2

And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

Hosea 2:22

And the earth shall hear the corn, and the wine, and the oil; and they shall hear Jezreel.