Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.
Read it in contextA Promise of God’s Blessing
Start reading at Hosea 14:4 (Hosea 14:4 to Hosea 14:9).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The closing movement recalls the relationship, renews the indictment, and ends with an appeal to return and a promise of healing.
14:4I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.
14:5I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.
14:6His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon.
14:7They 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.
14:8Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found.
14:9Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Hosea son of Beeri is the named prophet and traditional author of the collected message. Biblical references: Hosea 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Hosea 4:1–14:9): Hosea addresses Israel, including its priests and rulers, with warnings also involving Judah. The closing appeal calls Israel to return to the LORD. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Primarily the northern kingdom of Israel, often called Ephraim, with warnings also concerning Judah. Biblical references: Hosea 4:1; Hosea 5:1; Hosea 5:5. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? A Promise of God’s Blessing. Read Hosea 14:4 through Hosea 14:9 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The closing movement recalls the relationship, renews the indictment, and ends with an appeal to return and a promise of healing. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The opening names kings of Judah and Jeroboam of Israel. The oracles address that setting while also announcing future judgment and restoration. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Israel, especially the northern kingdom, is central; the poetry also recalls Egypt, wilderness, and other places in the covenant story. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in A Promise of God’s Blessing (Hosea 14:4 to Hosea 14:9).
Start reading at Hosea 14:4. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Matthew applies Hosea's words about calling the son out of Egypt to Jesus. Hosea's immediate passage recalls Israel's history, so the later application and the original reference should both be stated. See Hosea 11:1, Matthew 2:15. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Respond to the call to return with faithful conduct rather than empty religious activity. Marriage imagery should be read as the book's covenant portrayal, not casually imposed on a reader's private circumstances. interpretation
Cited: Hosea 14:4, Hosea 14:9, Hosea 11:1, Matthew 2:15
Who wrote it, and how we know
HoseaNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens with the word of the LORD that came to Hosea. Hosea 1:1
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Hosea 14
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Hosea's opening names the reigns associated with his ministry. Marriage and family imagery portray the LORD's relationship with Israel; distinguish enacted signs, poetic speech, and direct exhortation. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The closing movement recalls the relationship, renews the indictment, and ends with an appeal to return and a promise of healing.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The closing movement recalls the relationship, renews the indictment, and ends with an appeal to return and a promise of healing.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Hosea
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Hosea's opening names the reigns associated with his ministry. Marriage and family imagery portray the LORD's relationship with Israel; distinguish enacted signs, poetic speech, and direct exhortation.
Connection to the wholeThe closing movement recalls the relationship, renews the indictment, and ends with an appeal to return and a promise of healing.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.