Bible Commentaries

O Israel, ^a return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.

(a) He exhorts them to repentance to avoid all these plagues, exhorting them to declare by words their obedience and repentance.

Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, ^b Take away all iniquity, and receive [us] graciously: so will we render the calves of our ^c lips.

(b) He shows them that they ought to confess their sins.

(c) Declaring that this is the true sacrifice that the faithful can offer, even thanks and praise; (Hebrews 13:15).

Asshur shall ^d not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, [Ye are] our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.

(d) We will forsake all vain confidence and pride.

^e I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.

(e) He declares how ready God is to receive those that do repent.

They that dwell under his ^f shadow shall return; they shall revive [as] the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof [shall be] as the wine of Lebanon.

(f) Whoever unites themselves to this people will be blessed.

Ephraim [shall say], What have I to do any more with idols? I ^g have heard [him], and observed him: I [am] like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found.

(g) God shows how prompt he is to hear his own when they repent, and to offer himself as a protection and safeguard for them, as a most sufficient fruit and benefit.

Who [is] ^h 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.

(h) Signifying that the true wisdom and knowledge consists in this, even to rest upon God.