Hosea 3:5

KJV

Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.

KJV (with Strong's)

Afterward {H310} shall the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} return {H7725}, and seek {H1245} the LORD {H3068} their God {H430}, and David {H1732} their king {H4428}; and shall fear {H6342} the LORD {H3068} and his goodness {H2898} in the latter {H319} days {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Afterwards, the people of Isra'el will repent and seek ADONAI their God and David their king; they will come trembling to ADONAI and his goodness in the acharit-hayamim.

Berean Standard Bible

Afterward, the people of Israel will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to His goodness in the last days.

American Standard Version

afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek Jehovah their God, and David their king, and shall come with fear unto Jehovah and to his goodness in the latter days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 3:5 encapsulates a profound prophetic promise of Israel's future restoration and spiritual renewal. Following a period of desolation and separation from God, the passage declares that the children of Israel will ultimately turn back to Yahweh, earnestly seeking Him as their God and acknowledging a future king from the Davidic line. This future turning will be characterized by a reverent awe for the Lord and a deep appreciation for His inherent goodness, all culminating in the eschatological "latter days."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 3:5 marks a pivotal shift in the book of Hosea. Chapters 1-3 serve as a foundational introduction, using the prophet's tumultuous marriage to Gomer, a harlot, as a living parable of God's covenant relationship with unfaithful Israel. Chapter 1 introduces Gomer and the symbolic names of their children, representing God's judgment on Israel. Chapter 2 elaborates on Israel's spiritual adultery and the impending judgment, yet interweaves promises of future restoration (e.g., [Hosea 2:14-23](/hosea/2-14-23 "Hosea 2:14-23 - God's Promise of Restoration")). Chapter 3 specifically depicts God's command to Hosea to redeem Gomer from her slavery, mirroring Israel's period of desolation and separation from their spiritual heritage, as described in [Hosea 3:4](/hosea/3-4 "Hosea 3:4 - Israel's Desolation"). Verse 5 then dramatically pivots from this period of judgment and purification to a glorious future promise of restoration and blessing, highlighting God's enduring love and covenant faithfulness despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hosea prophesied to the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) during the 8th century BC, a period marked by political instability, moral decay, and rampant idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal. This was prior to the Assyrian conquest and exile of the Northern Kingdom in 722 BC. The people had forsaken the Mosaic covenant, engaging in syncretistic worship and relying on foreign alliances rather than on the Lord. The concept of "David their king" is significant here; after the division of the kingdom following Solomon's reign, the Northern Kingdom had no Davidic king, instead experiencing a rapid succession of unstable dynasties. The prophecy of a future Davidic king, therefore, speaks to a reunification under a legitimate, God-appointed ruler, harkening back to the golden age of David's reign and anticipating a new, righteous era. The "latter days" (Hebrew: *acharit hayyamim*) is a common prophetic phrase referring to the eschatological future, often associated with the Messianic era and the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plans, transcending any immediate historical return.

* **Key Themes:** Hosea 3:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Hosea and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores God's **unwavering covenant faithfulness** despite Israel's spiritual harlotry. Even in judgment, God's ultimate purpose is redemptive. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **repentance and return** (*shûwb*), emphasizing that true restoration involves Israel's active seeking of the Lord and a turning away from idolatry. Thirdly, the mention of "David their king" introduces the crucial theme of **Messianic kingship**, pointing beyond the historical David to the future, ideal Davidic ruler who will govern in righteousness and unite God's people. This theme is foundational to understanding God's plan for a perpetual kingdom. Lastly, the verse brings forth the theme of **God's goodness and mercy**, demonstrating that the "fear of the LORD" is not born of terror but of profound reverence for His benevolent character, which ultimately draws His people back to Him in sincere worship and obedience. This fear is intertwined with the hope of ultimate restoration in [the latter days](/hosea/3-5 "Hosea 3:5 - In the Latter Days").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root signifies a turning back, either literally or figuratively. In Hosea 3:5, it denotes a spiritual turning, a repentance from idolatry and unfaithfulness back to the covenant relationship with Yahweh. It implies not just a physical return to the land, but a profound change of heart and direction towards God, encompassing conversion and restoration.
* **seek (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** This word means to search out, specifically in worship or prayer, and by implication, to strive after. When Israel "seeks the LORD their God," it indicates an earnest, deliberate, and active pursuit of a relationship with Him, moving beyond mere ritual to a heartfelt desire for His presence and guidance. It implies an inquiry, a request, and a longing for divine communion.
* **goodness (Hebrew, _ṭûwb'_):** Derived from the root meaning "good," this noun encompasses goodness in its widest sense, including beauty, gladness, welfare, and especially God's inherent benevolent character. To "fear the LORD and his goodness" suggests that the awe and reverence for God are not rooted in terror, but in a profound appreciation for His inherent benevolence, mercy, and the blessings He bestows. It is a response of worship to His gracious nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Afterward shall the children of Israel return":** This opening phrase, employing the Hebrew word _ʼachar_ (after), signals a future time following the period of desolation mentioned in [Hosea 3:4](/hosea/3-4 "Hosea 3:4 - Israel's Desolation"). It prophesies a definitive turning point when the descendants of Jacob, God's chosen people (Israel, _Yisrâʼêl_), will spiritually repent and turn back to their covenant Lord, signifying a reversal of their long-standing apostasy.
* **"and seek the LORD their God":** This clause elaborates on the nature of their return, emphasizing a genuine spiritual revival. The "seeking" (Hebrew: _bâqash_) implies an earnest, active pursuit and desire for a relationship with Yahweh (_Yᵉhôvâh_), the self-existent God, whom they will once again acknowledge as their true and supreme God (_ʼĕlôhîym_), moving beyond mere ritualistic observance to heartfelt devotion.
* **"and David their king":** This is a crucial Messianic element. While the historical King David was long dead, this refers to a future, ideal king from David's lineage. It signifies the restoration of legitimate, righteous kingship over a reunited Israel, pointing directly to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate Son of David and the promised eternal King. This indicates a political and spiritual restoration under divine leadership.
* **"and shall fear the LORD and his goodness":** This phrase describes the character of the restored relationship. The "fear" (Hebrew: _pâchad_) here is not a cowering dread but a profound, reverent awe and respect for Yahweh (_Yᵉhôvâh_). This reverence is uniquely coupled with an appreciation for "his goodness" (Hebrew: _ṭûwb_), highlighting that their awe is inspired by God's benevolent character, His mercy, and His faithfulness, leading to willing obedience and worship rather than terror.
* **"in the latter days":** This eschatological phrase (Hebrew: _ʼachărîyth yôwm_) points to a distant future time, often associated with the Messianic era or the end times. It signifies that the complete and ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy extends beyond any immediate historical return, culminating in God's final, glorious redemptive plan for Israel and the world, establishing His kingdom in its fullness.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 3:5 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its profound message of hope and restoration. Most notably, it uses **Symbolism**, where "David their king" serves as a powerful symbol. While a historical figure, David here transcends his individual person to represent the ideal, righteous, and eternal kingship promised to his lineage, ultimately pointing to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This is an example of **Typology**, where David acts as a type, foreshadowing Christ, the antitype. The phrase "latter days" is a form of **Eschatological Language**, signaling a future, ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan beyond immediate historical events. The entire passage functions as a **Prophecy**, a divine declaration of future events, providing both warning and promise. Furthermore, the juxtaposition of "fear the LORD" with "his goodness" creates a subtle **Paradox** or **Juxtaposition**, challenging a common understanding of fear as terror and redefining it as a reverent awe born from an appreciation of divine benevolence. This highlights the transformative nature of God's grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 3:5 stands as a powerful testament to God's enduring covenant faithfulness and His ultimate redemptive purposes for His people. The prophecy reveals that despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness, God's love will ultimately prevail, drawing them back into a restored relationship. This future return is not merely a political or geographical restoration but a profound spiritual turning, characterized by a genuine seeking of God and a reverent awe for His character, particularly His goodness. The inclusion of "David their king" elevates the prophecy beyond a temporal political revival, pointing to the eschatological reign of the Messiah, who will perfectly embody the Davidic covenant and establish an everlasting kingdom of righteousness and peace. This verse thus prefigures the New Covenant, where God's people, both Jew and Gentile, are brought into a renewed relationship with Him through the true Davidic King, Jesus Christ.

* [Jeremiah 30:9](/jeremiah/30-9 "Jeremiah 30:9 - They shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king")
* [Ezekiel 34:23-24](/ezekiel/34-23-24 "Ezekiel 34:23-24 - One Shepherd, My Servant David")
* [Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - Spirit of Grace and Supplication")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 3:5 offers profound hope and timeless lessons for believers today, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in the face of their straying. It reminds us that no matter how far we may wander, God's invitation to "return" and "seek" Him remains open. This isn't a call to superficial religious activity, but to a heartfelt, genuine pursuit of intimacy with our Creator. The promise of "David their king" points us to Jesus Christ, the ultimate King and Shepherd, reminding us that true restoration and security are found only under His reign. Our lives should reflect a reverent "fear of the LORD," not born of dread, but of a deep appreciation for His immense "goodness" and unfailing love, which compels us to obedience and worship. This balance of awe and gratitude fosters a healthy and vibrant relationship with God, inspiring us to trust His plans for our future, knowing that His ultimate purposes will be fulfilled in the "latter days" through Christ's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to "return" to the Lord, turning away from distractions or sin?**
* **How can you more earnestly "seek the LORD your God" in your daily life, moving beyond routine to genuine pursuit?**
* **How does the promise of "David their king" (Jesus Christ) shape your understanding of God's ultimate plan and your own hope for the future?**
* **How do you balance "fearing the LORD" with appreciating "His goodness" in your personal walk with God?**

### FAQ
**What does "David their king" mean if King David was already dead?**

Answer: The phrase "David their king" in [Hosea 3:5](/hosea/3-5 "Hosea 3:5 - David their king") is a powerful Messianic prophecy. While the historical King David had long passed away by Hosea's time, this refers to a future, ideal king from David's royal lineage. It signifies the restoration of legitimate, righteous kingship over a reunited Israel, fulfilling the eternal covenant God made with David in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"). This future king is understood to be the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is repeatedly identified in the New Testament as the "Son of David" (e.g., [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). He is the true Shepherd-King who will ultimately gather and rule God's people in righteousness and peace, fulfilling all the promises made to David.

**What does "fear the LORD and his goodness" imply?**

Answer: To "fear the LORD" (Hebrew: _pâchad_) in biblical context generally means to have a profound, reverent awe and respect for God's power, holiness, and majesty, leading to obedience and worship. When coupled with "his goodness" (Hebrew: _ṭûwb_), as in [Hosea 3:5](/hosea/3-5 "Hosea 3:5 - Fear the LORD and His goodness"), it highlights that this fear is not a cowering terror of punishment, but a deep reverence inspired by God's benevolent nature, His mercy, and His acts of grace. It's an obedient love rather than a cowering dread. It implies that understanding God's inherent goodness deepens our awe of Him, leading to a desire to honor and obey Him out of gratitude and love, rather than just obligation or fear of retribution. This concept is echoed in passages like [Psalm 130:4](/psalms/130-4 "Psalm 130:4 - With You there is forgiveness, that You may be feared").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 3:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The prophecy of Israel's return and seeking "the LORD their God, and David their king" directly points to the Messianic era inaugurated by Christ. Jesus, as the true [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), embodies the promised Davidic king, establishing an eternal kingdom not of this world, yet encompassing all who believe. His coming marked the dawn of the "latter days," a new epoch where the Spirit is poured out and God's people, both Jew and Gentile, are gathered under His reign ([Acts 2:17](/acts/2-17 "Acts 2:17 - Peter's Sermon on the Day of Pentecost")). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ enables humanity to "return" to God, reconciling us to the Father and empowering us to "seek the LORD" in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). The "fear of the LORD and his goodness" is perfectly realized in the believer's relationship with Christ, where reverence for God's holiness is intertwined with profound gratitude for His boundless grace and love, demonstrated supremely in the gift of His Son ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God demonstrates His own love")). Thus, Hosea 3:5 is not merely a historical prediction but a vibrant testament to God's redemptive plan, culminating in the person and work of Jesus, the King who draws His people back to Himself in everlasting goodness.

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

Jeremiah 50:4

In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God.

Jeremiah 50:5

They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, [saying], Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant [that] shall not be forgotten.

Jeremiah 30:9

But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.

Ezekiel 34:23

And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, [even] my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.

Ezekiel 34:24

And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken [it].

Isaiah 2:2

And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

Ezekiel 37:22

And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all: