Hosea 6:3

KJV

Then shall we know, [if] we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter [and] former rain unto the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shall we know {H3045}, if we follow {H7291} on to know {H3045} the LORD {H3068}: his going forth {H4161} is prepared {H3559} as the morning {H7837}; and he shall come {H935} unto us as the rain {H1653}, as the latter {H4456} and former rain {H3384} unto the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let us know, let us strive to know ADONAI. That he will come is as certain as morning; he will come to us like the rain, like the spring rains that water the earth.

Berean Standard Bible

So let us know— let us press on to know the LORD. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the earth.

American Standard Version

And let us know, let us follow on to know Jehovah: his going forth is sure as the morning; and he will come unto us as the rain, as the latter rain that watereth the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 6:3 articulates a profound call to diligently pursue an intimate knowledge of the LORD, promising that His divine revelation and life-giving presence are as certain and essential as the dawn and the seasonal rains. This verse serves as both an exhortation to Israel for genuine repentance and a comforting assurance of God's unwavering faithfulness to those who earnestly seek Him, portraying His coming as a source of spiritual refreshment, growth, and restoration, vital for the spiritual vitality of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 6 opens with a poignant, yet ultimately superficial, call to repentance from the people of Israel (Hosea 6:1-3). Following the LORD's lament over their unfaithfulness and His judgment in Hosea 5, the people express a desire to "return unto the LORD," believing He will heal and restore them. However, the subsequent verses (Hosea 6:4-6) reveal the shallowness of this repentance, as God laments, "What shall I do unto thee, O Ephraim? what shall I do unto thee, O Judah? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away!" ([Hosea 6:4](/hosea/6-4 "Hosea 6:4 - God's Lament Over Shallow Repentance")). Thus, Hosea 6:3, while expressing a hopeful aspiration for knowing God, is immediately juxtaposed with the reality of Israel's fleeting devotion, setting the stage for God's preference for steadfast love over sacrifice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Hosea is set against the backdrop of the declining Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) in the 8th century BCE, prior to its fall to Assyria in 722 BCE. This period was characterized by political instability, moral decay, and rampant idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal, a Canaanite fertility god. In an agrarian society like ancient Israel, rain was absolutely critical for survival and prosperity. The "former rain" (yoreh) fell in autumn, preparing the soil for planting, while the "latter rain" (malqosh) fell in spring, bringing crops to maturity. The comparison of God's coming to these essential rains would have resonated deeply with the people, signifying His indispensable role in their spiritual and physical well-being, contrasting sharply with the false promises of Baal worship, which claimed to control the rains.
* **Key Themes:** Hosea 6:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Knowing God**, emphasizing that true knowledge of the LORD is not merely intellectual but involves a deep, covenantal relationship requiring persistent pursuit. This contrasts with Israel's superficial understanding and their pursuit of other gods. Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Faithfulness and Reliability**, portraying His coming as certain and predictable as the dawn, a stark contrast to Israel's fickle loyalty. Thirdly, it speaks to **Divine Provision and Life-Giving Presence**, using the imagery of rain to convey God's essential role in bringing spiritual life, growth, and blessing, much like the physical rain sustains the land. This theme is echoed elsewhere, such as in [Joel's prophecy of spiritual refreshing](/joel/2-23 "Joel 2:23 - The Promise of Former and Latter Rain"). Ultimately, the verse encapsulates the tension between human responsibility to seek God and God's gracious initiative to reveal Himself and sustain His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, this word signifies far more than intellectual apprehension. It implies an intimate, experiential, and relational knowledge, often used in the context of covenant relationships (e.g., as between husband and wife, or God and His people). To "follow on to know" suggests a continuous, diligent, and active pursuit to deepen this personal, covenantal relationship with the LORD. It involves observation, recognition, care, and a lived understanding of God's character and will.
* **Prepared (Hebrew, _kûwn'_):** From H3559, this word means to be erect, firm, established, or fixed. When applied to God's "going forth," it conveys the idea of certainty, reliability, and an unshakeable order, much like the unfailing appearance of the morning. It speaks to God's steadfastness and the assuredness of His actions and revelations, implying that His coming is not haphazard but divinely ordained and certain.
* **Latter rain (Hebrew, _malqôwsh'_):** From H4456, this refers specifically to the spring rain, crucial for bringing crops to maturity before harvest. Paired with "former rain" (H3384, _yârâh'_), which prepared the ground for planting, this imagery (along with H1653, _geshem'_ for general "rain") powerfully illustrates God's comprehensive and timely provision. It signifies His work in both initiating spiritual life and bringing it to full fruition, providing all that is necessary for growth and fruitfulness in the lives of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD":** This opening clause establishes a conditional promise. The "knowing" (yâdaʻ) is not automatic but contingent upon a diligent, persistent, and active "following on to know" the LORD. It implies a continuous journey of seeking, learning, and deepening one's relationship with God, emphasizing human responsibility in the divine-human encounter.
* **"his going forth is prepared as the morning":** This phrase describes the certainty and reliability of God's self-revelation and intervention. Just as the dawn (shachar) is an inevitable, predictable, and universally experienced phenomenon that dispels darkness, so God's presence and action are sure and unfailing for those who seek Him. It speaks to His faithfulness and the ordered nature of His divine plan.
* **"and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth."**: This final clause employs a powerful agricultural metaphor to illustrate the life-giving, refreshing, and essential nature of God's presence. Like the former rain prepares the ground and the latter rain brings the harvest, God's coming provides spiritual sustenance, growth, and blessing, indispensable for the vitality and fruitfulness of His people. It highlights His role as the source of all spiritual life and flourishing.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 6:3 is rich with **Simile** and **Metaphor**, drawing powerful comparisons from the natural world to describe the divine-human relationship. The phrase "his going forth is prepared as the morning" uses **Simile** to liken God's reliable revelation to the certainty of dawn, emphasizing its predictability and illuminating quality. This is further reinforced by the **Metaphorical** use of "morning" itself as a symbol of new beginnings, clarity, and the dispelling of darkness. The verse then employs another profound **Simile** and **Metaphorical** comparison: "he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth." Here, God's presence is likened to the essential, life-giving **rain**—specifically the "former" (autumn) and "latter" (spring) rains—which were critical for agricultural success in ancient Israel. This imagery functions as a **Metaphor** for spiritual sustenance, growth, and blessing, highlighting God's role as the indispensable provider of life and fruitfulness. The cumulative effect of these devices is to convey God's unwavering faithfulness, His essential nature, and the certainty of His life-giving presence to those who earnestly seek Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 6:3 presents a foundational theological truth: the pursuit of God is not in vain, for He is faithful to reveal Himself and sustain those who genuinely seek Him. This verse underscores the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship, where human diligence in seeking is met with divine certainty and provision. It challenges the notion of a passive faith, insisting on an active, continuous "following on to know" the LORD, which leads to an experiential, intimate knowledge. The imagery of morning and rain speaks to God's consistent character as the source of light, life, and growth, contrasting with the fleeting and unreliable nature of human devotion. This divine reliability serves as both an encouragement for repentance and a reminder of the profound blessings available in a right relationship with God.

* [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart")
* [James 4:8](/james/4-8 "James 4:8 - Draw Near to God")
* [Psalm 36:9](/psalms/36-9 "Psalm 36:9 - Fountain of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 6:3 serves as a timeless call to cultivate a deep, persistent, and intimate relationship with God. In a world full of distractions and fleeting commitments, this verse reminds us that true spiritual vitality comes from consistently "following on to know the LORD." This isn't about intellectual assent alone, but about a lived experience of seeking Him through prayer, diligent study of His Word, obedience to His commands, and active participation in His community. Just as the morning inevitably breaks and the rain faithfully nourishes the earth, God promises to meet us in our pursuit, bringing His light, refreshment, and growth into our lives. Our spiritual flourishing is directly tied to our intentional efforts to draw near to Him, trusting in His unwavering faithfulness to reveal Himself and provide all that we need for life and godliness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I "follow on to know the LORD" more diligently in my daily life?**
* **How does the certainty of God's "going forth as the morning" encourage me in times of spiritual dryness or doubt?**
* **What specific areas of my life need God's "rain" for spiritual growth and refreshment, and how can I open myself more fully to His provision?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "follow on to know the LORD"?**

Answer: To "follow on to know the LORD" (Hebrew: _râdaph_ H7291, _yâdaʻ_ H3045) implies a continuous, diligent, and active pursuit of an intimate, experiential knowledge of God. It's not a one-time event but an ongoing journey of seeking, learning, and deepening one's relationship with Him. This involves persistent prayer, consistent engagement with His Word, obedience to His commands, and a heart that continually yearns for more of Him. It suggests a relentless pursuit, much like a hunter pursues prey, but in this context, it's a pursuit of divine intimacy and understanding. This active seeking is foundational to experiencing God's presence and blessings, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart"), where God promises to be found by those who seek Him with all their heart.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 6:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The promise that God's "going forth is prepared as the morning" and that "he shall come unto us as the rain" is perfectly embodied in the person and work of Christ. Jesus is the definitive revelation of God, the "true light that gives light to everyone" who came into the world ([John 1:9](/john/1-9 "John 1:9 - The True Light")). His advent was the dawning of a new day, dispelling the darkness of sin and ignorance, just as the morning light is certain and inevitable. Furthermore, Jesus is the source of life-giving spiritual "rain." He offers "living water" to those who thirst ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")), and through the Holy Spirit, whom He sends, He provides constant refreshment, growth, and fruitfulness to believers ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). The "latter and former rain" imagery speaks to God's comprehensive provision for spiritual life from inception to maturity, a provision fully realized through Christ's atoning work and His ongoing ministry as our High Priest and King. To "know the LORD" now means to know Jesus, for "no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him" ([Matthew 11:27](/matthew/11-27 "Matthew 11:27 - No One Knows the Father Except the Son")). Our diligent pursuit of God is thus a pursuit of Christ, in whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

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

Hosea 14:5

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

Jeremiah 24:7

And I will give them an heart to know me, that I [am] the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.

Psalms 72:6

He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers [that] water the earth.

Philippians 3:13

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

Philippians 3:15

¶ Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

Proverbs 2:1

¶ My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

Proverbs 2:5

Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.