After 13 chapters of the wickedness and judgements regarding the wicked nation of Israel, the last chapter of Hosea talks about an eventual repentance of Israel and a turning back toward the Lord.
Verse 1
This is a plea for Israel to turn to the Lord.
Verse 2
Saying that Ephraim will say "we render the calves of our lips" means that they will give forth their best efforts and speak righteously. Young, strong calves were considered the best sacrifices of the mosaic law. The better the calf, the bigger the sacrifice on the part of the offerer. By rendering the calves of our lips we pledge that our thoughts and words will be good ones.
Verse 3
This verse indicates that Ephraim will eventually realize their worship is idolatrous and will turn away from their idols.
Verses 4-9
The rest of the verses describe more of the healing that will take place and the course correction that Israel will take. It's important to note that their behavior will change before the Lord's treatment of them changes. Obedience always precedes the blessing.
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