1 a14:1 This v. is 14:2 in MT, and so throughout the chapter. “Return, Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have fallen due to your own iniquity. ISV — Hosea 14:1
2 Bring a prepared speech with you as you return to the LORD. Say to him: ‘Take away all our b14:2 The Heb. lacks our iniquity, and accept what is good. Then we will present the fruit c14:2 So LXX and DSS. MT reads bulls of our lips. ISV — Hosea 14:2
3 Assyria won’t save us; we won’t be riding on horses, Nor will we be saying anymore to the work of our hands, “You are d14:3 The Heb. lacks You are our God.” Indeed, in you the orphan finds mercy.’ ISV — Hosea 14:3
4 “I will correct their apostasy, loving them freely, since my anger will have turned away from them. e14:4 Lit. him ISV — Hosea 14:4
5 I will be like the dew to Israel; Israel f14:5 Lit. he will blossom like a lily, growing roots like the cedars of g14:5 The Heb. lacks the cedars of Lebanon. ISV — Hosea 14:5
6 Israel’s h14:6 Lit. His branches will spread out, and its beauty will be like an olive tree, with its scent like that of Lebanon. ISV — Hosea 14:6
7 Those who live under its protection i14:7 Lit. shadow will surely return. Their grain will flourish; they will blossom like a vine, and Israel’s j14:7 Lit. His scent will be like wine from Lebanon. ISV — Hosea 14:7
8 “Ephraim, what have I in common with idols? I have listened and will pay attention to him. I am like a flourishing cypress; in me will your fruit be found.” ISV — Hosea 14:8
9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things. Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right: the righteous follow his example, but the rebellious stumble in them. ISV — Hosea 14:9