Hosea 6:1

¶ Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.

Come {H3212}, and let us return {H7725} unto the LORD {H3068}: for he hath torn {H2963}, and he will heal {H7495} us; he hath smitten {H5221}, and he will bind us up {H2280}.

Come, let us return to ADONAI; for he has torn, and he will heal us; he has struck, and he will bind our wounds.

Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us to pieces, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bind up our wounds.

Come, and let us return unto Jehovah; for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.

Context

The prophet Hosea delivered his message to the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) during a period of significant spiritual decline and political instability. Israel had consistently broken their covenant with the LORD through idolatry, moral corruption, and reliance on foreign alliances rather than God. By Hosea 6, the nation had experienced various forms of divine judgment – periods of distress, defeat, and affliction – which are metaphorically described as being "torn" and "smitten" by God. This verse, therefore, represents a call to the people, or perhaps a hopeful aspiration from a faithful remnant, to acknowledge God's hand in their suffering and to return to the LORD, trusting in His power to heal and restore what He has disciplined.

Key Themes

  • Repentance and Return: The opening phrase, "Come, and let us return unto the LORD," is a direct and urgent invitation to spiritual renewal. It emphasizes the necessity of turning away from sin and actively seeking reconciliation with God, recognizing that their suffering is a consequence of their departure from Him.
  • Divine Discipline as a Prelude to Healing: This verse powerfully illustrates that God's judgment is not merely punitive but redemptive. The same God who "hath torn" and "smitten" is also the one who "will heal" and "bind us up." This highlights that God's discipline is a corrective measure, designed to bring His people to a place of humility and dependency where they can then experience His restorative grace.
  • God's Enduring Mercy and Faithfulness: Despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness, God's character is revealed as profoundly merciful. He is willing to heal those whom He has disciplined, demonstrating His desire for reconciliation and the restoration of health and well-being. This offers hope that even after severe consequences, God's love remains steadfast.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verbs used in this verse convey a powerful contrast. The term "torn" comes from the Hebrew root ṭārap̄ (טרף), which suggests a violent tearing, like a wild beast tearing its prey, indicating the severity of God's judgment and the depth of Israel's affliction. Similarly, "smitten" is from nākāh (הכה), meaning to strike down or wound. These strong verbs underscore the painful consequences of their sin. However, these are contrasted with "heal" (rāp̄ā’ - רפא), which signifies comprehensive restoration and recovery, and "bind us up" (ḥābaš - חבש), meaning to bandage or bind a wound, implying tender care and complete mending. The juxtaposition emphasizes God's dual role as both the disciplinarian and the compassionate physician.

Practical Application

Hosea 6:1 offers timeless encouragement and guidance for individuals and communities today. It teaches us that when we face difficulties, whether personal struggles, relational brokenness, or societal challenges, we should first examine our spiritual condition and relationship with God. If we have strayed, this verse calls us to a sincere repentance and return to the Lord, trusting in His goodness. It provides immense comfort by reminding us that God's discipline, though painful, is ultimately for our good, aiming to bring us back into alignment with His will. No matter how broken or wounded we may feel by life's circumstances or the consequences of our own choices, God is always ready and able to heal, restore, and bind up our wounds, leading us to a deeper and more authentic walk with Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Deuteronomy 32:39

    ¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.

  • Job 5:18

    For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.

  • 1 Samuel 2:6

    The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.

  • Lamentations 3:40

    Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.

  • Lamentations 3:41

    Let us lift up our heart with [our] hands unto God in the heavens.

  • Hosea 14:4

    ¶ I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.

  • Isaiah 55:7

    Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

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