Hosea 6:1 Come, and let us return to the LORD: for he has torn, and he will heal us; he has smitten, and he will bind us up. In this book of prophecy we find, side by side, the sternest reproaches and denunciations of the idolatrous and apostate, and the mist tender and gracious assurances of compassion for the penitent. I. CHASTISEMENT HAS BEEN INFLICTED FOR SIN. The language used is very vigorous, almost rough. God is represented as having torn his people as a lion tears his prey, as having smitten his people as a master smites his slave. At the same time there is no resistance, no resentment; but submission and an implicit acknowledgment of the justice of the infliction. II. THE AFFLICTED RESOLVE TO SEEK THE DIVINE FAVOR. 1. There is a mutual admonition: "Come." What is not easy to do alone, men will sometimes do with the countenance of their fellows. 2. The act is one appropriate in itself. If it is wrong to turn away from the Lord, it is right to return unto him - to seek him while he may be found. 3. To return to God evinces the sinner's faith; it proves that the admonitions have not been received in vain, but are bringing forth their fruit. III. THE PENITENTS CHERISH EXPECTATIONS OF DIVINE FAVOR. "He will heal;" "He will bind us up." 1. This God alone can do; the wounds which he has inflicted none but he can cure. 2. This God is willing to do. His chastisement is not wanton; it affords him no pleasure; the end of it is answered when the chastised are brought in lowly penitence to supplicate a restoration of favor, a renewal of blessing. - T. Parallel Verses KJV: Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. |
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