Hosea 14:2-9

The LORD says: "I will cure my people of their disloyalty, I shall love them with all my heart. I hear them and watch over them."

Those who say that the Old Testament reveals only a God of wrath have not read the scriptures closely. In many places, as in this passage from the prophecy of Hosea, we find a loving God who is concerned for the people of Israel and seeks to renew the covenant and relationship of intimacy with them. God calls Israel to "return to the LORD," to be faithful and wise. Moreover, God promises to love Israel so much that the people will become faithful once again. The prophet uses the image of dew in the desert to proclaim that God will nurture the people of Israel and enable them to flower and prosper.

The prophet, of course, also speaks words of judgment to the northern kingdom of Israel at a time when there was war with Assyria and the people were suffering. Like the other prophets, Hosea sees this suffering as a direct result of not keeping the commandments of God. But he is filled with hope that God will renew the covenant, if the people repent of their sin and return to the God who continues to love them .

Grace and peace...Bob