Hosea 2:15

KJV

And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will give {H5414} her her vineyards {H3754} from thence, and the valley {H6010} of Achor {H5911} for a door {H6607} of hope {H8615}: and she shall sing {H6030} there, as in the days {H3117} of her youth {H5271}, and as in the day {H3117} when she came up {H5927} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will give her her vineyards from there and the Akhor Valley as a gateway to hope. She will respond there as she did when young, as she did when she came up from Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible

There I will give back her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor into a gateway of hope. There she will respond as she did in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt.

American Standard Version

And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope; and she shall make answer there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 2:15 marks a pivotal shift in God's dealings with unfaithful Israel, transforming His pronouncements of judgment into a profound promise of restoration and renewed intimacy. This verse beautifully illustrates God's persistent, redemptive love, declaring His intention to woo His wayward people back to Himself, turning their place of past trouble into a gateway of hope, and restoring their joy to the fervent devotion reminiscent of their initial covenant relationship forged at the Exodus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of Hosea employs the prophet's tumultuous marriage to Gomer, an unfaithful wife, as a powerful and painful metaphor for Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel, who had repeatedly abandoned Him for idolatry. Chapters 1 and 2 vividly portray Israel's spiritual harlotry, detailing the consequences of their unfaithfulness, including divine judgment, barrenness, and separation. However, amidst these pronouncements of discipline, God's deep, unwavering love for His people shines through. Hosea 2:15, in particular, signals a dramatic turning point within chapter 2, shifting from a description of judgment (vv. 2-13) to an outpouring of redemptive grace and a promise of future restoration (vv. 14-23). It initiates God's "wooing" of Israel back to the wilderness, a place of renewed intimacy and dependence, before bringing them into a transformed land of blessing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Hosea's prophecy is the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the 8th century BCE, a period marked by political instability, social injustice, and rampant syncretism, particularly the worship of Baal. The Israelites had attributed their agricultural prosperity (vineyards, grain, oil) to Baal, rather than to Yahweh, their true provider. The promise of "her vineyards from thence" directly addresses this idolatry, signifying God's reclamation of His rightful place as the source of all blessing and a return to agricultural abundance. The reference to "the valley of Achor" is a direct allusion to a significant historical event recorded in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Punishment"), where Achan's sin led to Israel's defeat and his subsequent punishment in that very valley, whose name means "trouble" or "disaster." This cultural memory of shame and judgment is intentionally invoked to highlight the radical nature of God's redemptive promise. Furthermore, the comparison to "the days of her youth" and "when she came up out of the land of Egypt" evokes the foundational event of the Exodus, a time of national birth, initial fervent devotion, and intimate covenant relationship with God before the corruptions of the Promised Land set in.
* **Key Themes:** Hosea 2:15 masterfully weaves together several profound theological themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Restoration**, demonstrating God's sovereign power to reverse the effects of judgment and bring His people back to a state of fruitfulness and prosperity, symbolized by the return of the vineyards. Secondly, it highlights **Hope from Despair**, as God promises to transform the "valley of Achor"—a place synonymous with trouble and divine judgment—into "a door of hope." This profound paradox reveals God's ability to redeem even the most painful and shameful aspects of His people's past, turning them into gateways for new beginnings. This transformation of Achor foreshadows a new era where past failures become foundations for future grace, as seen in the broader prophetic vision of a restored Israel (e.g., [Isaiah 65:10](/isaiah/65-10 "Isaiah 65:10 - Transformation of Achor")). Finally, the verse speaks to **Covenant Renewal and Joy**, envisioning a return to the pristine, joyful relationship Israel shared with God during their "youthful" days of liberation from [Egypt](/exodus/15 "Exodus 15 - The Song of Moses"). This anticipates a spiritual revival where the nation will once again sing with unbridled praise, mirroring the triumphant [Song of Moses after the Red Sea crossing](/exodus/15-1-21 "Exodus 15:1-21 - The Song of Moses and Miriam").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root is rich in meaning, encompassing actions like to bestow, grant, appoint, or cause. In this context, it emphasizes God's sovereign initiative and generosity. He is not merely allowing Israel to recover but actively *giving* and restoring, signifying a divine act of grace and provision. It is a unilateral promise from God, highlighting His faithfulness despite Israel's unfaithfulness.
* **Achor (Hebrew, _ʻÂkôwr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "troubled" or "afflicted," Achor is not just a geographical location but a symbolic representation of Israel's past sin, judgment, and the trouble it brought. Its specific historical connection to Achan's sin in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7-26 "Joshua 7:26 - The Valley of Achor") makes it a powerful emblem of national disgrace. The very name evokes a sense of despair and consequence, setting up the profound contrast with "hope."
* **hope (Hebrew, _tiqvâh'_):** Literally meaning "a cord" (as an attachment), this word figuratively denotes "expectancy" or "longing." In this verse, it signifies a divinely given future expectation, a confident anticipation of good, despite the current or past state of trouble. It is not a mere wish but a firm assurance rooted in God's character and promise, suggesting a lifeline extended to a people on the brink of despair.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will give her her vineyards from thence":** This clause signifies God's active role in restoring Israel's prosperity and fruitfulness. "Thence" refers to the wilderness, the place where God will "allure" Israel (Hosea 2:14) and where this transformation begins. The vineyards, previously taken away as a consequence of Israel's idolatry (Hosea 2:12), symbolize not only agricultural abundance but also the joy, blessing, and spiritual fruitfulness that come from a right relationship with God. It is a promise of economic and spiritual revitalization.
* **"and the valley of Achor for a door of hope":** This is a profound statement of divine transformation. The Valley of Achor, a historical site of judgment and trouble (referencing [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin")), is promised to become "a door of hope." This means that the very place of Israel's shame and despair will be supernaturally converted into an opening, a gateway to a new future filled with divine promise and expectation. God takes the darkest moments of their past and redefines them as the very entry point to their restoration.
* **"and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.":** This final clause speaks to the restoration of Israel's emotional and spiritual state. The "singing" denotes profound joy, celebration, and worship, indicative of a renewed, intimate relationship with God. The comparison to "the days of her youth" and the "day when she came up out of the land of Egypt" refers to the initial fervor, devotion, and joy of the Exodus generation, a time when Israel was God's "firstborn son" (Exodus 4:22) and celebrated His mighty deliverance with songs of praise ([Exodus 15](/exodus/15 "Exodus 15 - The Song of Moses")). This promise anticipates a return to that pure, unadulterated love and covenant faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 2:15 is rich in literary artistry, employing several powerful devices to convey its message of redemptive hope. The verse uses **Metaphor** extensively, particularly in the overarching imagery of Israel as an unfaithful wife who will be "wooed" back by her husband, Yahweh. The "vineyards" serve as a metaphor for blessing and prosperity, while "singing" metaphorically represents restored joy and worship. A striking **Paradox** is found in the phrase "the valley of Achor for a door of hope." Achor, meaning "trouble," is juxtaposed with "hope," creating a powerful tension that highlights God's ability to transform despair into expectation. This also functions as **Irony**, as the place of past judgment becomes the very gateway to future blessing. Furthermore, the verse employs **Allusion** to significant historical events: the "valley of Achor" alludes to Achan's sin and punishment in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin"), and the comparison to "the days of her youth" and "when she came up out of the land of Egypt" alludes to the Exodus, a foundational moment of Israel's covenant with God ([Exodus 15](/exodus/15 "Exodus 15 - The Song of Moses")). These allusions deepen the historical and theological resonance of God's promise of restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 2:15 is a profound theological statement on God's unwavering grace and redemptive power. It reveals that even in the face of profound unfaithfulness and deserved judgment, God's ultimate desire is to restore, not merely to punish. This verse underscores the divine initiative in salvation, where God actively pursues His wayward people, transforming their places of deepest shame and sorrow into avenues of renewed hope and joy. It anticipates the broader prophetic theme of a new covenant, where the relationship between God and His people will be re-established on a deeper, more intimate, and enduring foundation, characterized by internal transformation and spontaneous obedience, rather than external compulsion. This divine capacity to bring life from death, hope from despair, and joy from sorrow is a cornerstone of biblical theology, pointing to a God who is both just and merciful, always seeking reconciliation.

* [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")
* [Isaiah 43:18-19](/isaiah/43-18-19 "Isaiah 43:18-19 - God Does a New Thing")
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Still Sinners")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 2:15 offers immense encouragement and profound hope for believers in every generation. It reminds us that no matter how far we may have strayed, how deeply we have failed, or how overwhelming our past troubles may seem, God's redemptive love is ceaselessly active and capable of transforming our darkest valleys into radiant doors of hope. This verse calls us to recognize God's unfailing grace, even when we are most undeserving. It challenges us to look beyond our present difficulties or past regrets and trust in His power to bring about new beginnings. Just as God promised to restore Israel's vineyards and their song, He promises to restore fruitfulness and joy in our lives, turning our personal "valleys of Achor"—our failures, sorrows, and moments of despair—into gateways for deeper intimacy with Him and fresh opportunities for His grace to shine. We are invited to embrace His wooing love, to return to our "first love," and to anticipate the joyful song of redemption that only He can inspire.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "valley of Achor" in your life (past failures, regrets, or current struggles) does God want to transform into a "door of hope"?**
* **How does understanding God's persistent pursuit of Israel in Hosea deepen your appreciation for His grace in your own life?**
* **What "song" of joy and praise might God be inviting you to sing again, reminiscent of an earlier, more fervent time in your faith journey?**
* **In what practical ways can you respond to God's "wooing" love in your daily life, trusting Him to bring restoration and new beginnings?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "valley of Achor" in Hosea 2:15?**

Answer: The "valley of Achor" (Hebrew: `ʻÂkôwr`, meaning "trouble" or "disaster") holds deep historical and symbolic significance. It is first mentioned in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Punishment") as the place where Achan and his family were punished for their sin of taking devoted things from Jericho, leading to Israel's defeat at Ai. Thus, Achor became synonymous with national trouble, judgment, and the consequences of sin. In Hosea 2:15, God's promise to turn this very "valley of Achor for a door of hope" is a powerful testament to His redemptive power. It signifies that God can transform even the most shameful and painful aspects of Israel's past—and by extension, our own—into a gateway for a new, hopeful future. It's a divine paradox, demonstrating that God's grace can reverse the effects of sin and judgment, bringing blessing out of brokenness.

**How does God's promise of restoration in Hosea 2:15 apply to believers today?**

Answer: While Hosea 2:15 was specifically addressed to unfaithful Israel, its principles are profoundly applicable to believers today. It illustrates God's unchanging character: His persistent love, His desire for reconciliation, and His power to redeem. For individuals, this verse assures us that no matter our past failures, sins, or seasons of spiritual dryness, God is capable and willing to transform our "valleys of Achor" (our personal troubles, regrets, or consequences of sin) into "doors of hope." He offers new beginnings, renewed joy, and restored intimacy. For the church, it speaks to God's faithfulness to His covenant people, promising spiritual renewal and fruitfulness even after periods of decline or unfaithfulness. It encourages us to trust in God's redemptive work, believing that He can bring beauty from ashes and turn our mourning into dancing, leading us back to a vibrant, "youthful" relationship with Him, filled with the song of His praise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 2:15 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies God's radical redemptive love. The promise of vineyards, symbolizing spiritual fruitfulness and blessing, is realized in Christ, who declares, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser" ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine")). Through union with Him, believers receive true spiritual vitality and bear fruit for God's glory. More significantly, Jesus transforms our "valley of Achor"—the valley of sin, death, and judgment—into the ultimate "door of hope." His crucifixion, the place of ultimate trouble and the consequence of humanity's sin, becomes the very gateway to eternal life and reconciliation with God. Through His death and resurrection, Christ takes our shame and despair and offers us a new creation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), turning our past into a testimony of His grace. The promised "singing" as in the "days of her youth" finds its truest expression in the new song of redemption sung by those who have been redeemed by the Lamb ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The New Song")). The Exodus, a shadow of liberation, is surpassed by the greater exodus from sin and death accomplished by Christ ([Luke 9:31](/luke/9-31 "Luke 9:31 - Jesus' Exodus")). In Him, we experience a restored intimacy with God that far exceeds the Old Covenant, a relationship characterized by the Spirit's indwelling and an everlasting hope that banishes all tears ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")).

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

Ezekiel 28:26

And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD their God.

Jeremiah 2:2

Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land [that was] not sown.

Hosea 11:1

¶ When Israel [was] a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

Joshua 7:26

And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.

Ezekiel 16:22

And in all thine abominations and thy whoredoms thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, when thou wast naked and bare, [and] wast polluted in thy blood.

Ezekiel 16:8

Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time [was] the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.

Acts 14:27

And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.