Hosea 14

Hosea 14:2

TAke with you] I desire neither sacrifices, nor offerings from you; but doe you present before me a sincere Confession of your sinnes; fervent Prayers to obtaine forgivenesse; and sincere Actions of grace Take away] pardon through thy Grace, and alter by thy Spirit Receive] accept out of thy fatherly favour the true witnesses and effects of our conversion. Others grant, &c Of our lips] in stead of sacrifices of beasts, we will yeeld unto thee the true and spirituall ones of praise and thanksgiving. See Ps. 50. 14, 23. and 69 30, 31. and 116. 13, 14.

Hosea 14:3

Ashr] we will not put our confidence any longer in any humane meanes or power; but in thee only. See Hos. 5. 13. and 12 1 Upon horses] to seeke reliefe from Egypt, Isaiah 30:16.To the worke] namely, to the Idols The fatherlesse] namely, every person that wanteth a guide, reliefe, and sustenance as we doe.

Hosea 14:5

I will be] I will water them with my graces and heavenly blessings.

Hosea 14:6

Lebanon] A hill full of sweet smelling plants, Son 4:11.

Hosea 14:7

Returne] namely, from their exiles; where they were scattered, and shall come together into the Church in Alessius his time; and there they shall be safe under Gods protection.Revive] they shall increase and have children The sent thereof] the Italian, the remembrance of him] namely, God, Hosea 12:6. He meanes, that the knowledge of Him, and His Doctrine, shall be alwayes most pleasing to his people; like unto excellent wine, Son 1:2-3. Or God shall love the memory of his people very dearly.

Hosea 14:8

Ephraim shall, &c.] the Italian, O Ephraim! what have I any more to doe with] thou shalt joyne me no more with Idols, as thou hast done heretofore; I will alone be served in Spirit and truth, 2 Corinthians 6:16 I am like] the Italian, I will be to thee like, &c.] they shall finde all the good they desire in me. As when a Tree bringeth forth good fruit, and a pleasant shade, Son 2:3 Thy fruit] this may be understood of the Elects good works, brought forth in Them, by the only power of Gods grace and Spirit. John 15:2; John 15:4.

Hosea 14:9

The wayes] the whole guide of his providence, his works, and judgments; and also his Word, and Doctrine, are most holy things, and good for men: But they become an occasion of ruine, and perdition to the wicked; which doe abuse them through their incredulity and wickednesse, Proverbs 10:29. Luke 2:34. 2 Corinthians 2:16. 1 Peter 2:7.