Hosea 14:6
His shoots will sprout, and his splendor will be like the olive tree, his fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon.
His shoots will sprout
The imagery of "shoots" in this context is deeply rooted in the agricultural practices and natural environment of ancient Israel. The Hebrew word for "shoots" (יֹנְקוֹתָיו, yonqotav) suggests new growth, vitality, and the promise of future abundance. In a spiritual sense, this represents the renewal and restoration of Israel as they return to the Lord. The sprouting of shoots signifies hope and the beginning of a new era of faithfulness and prosperity. This imagery is consistent with the biblical theme of God bringing life and growth where there was once barrenness.

and his splendor will be like the olive tree
The olive tree is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing peace, prosperity, and divine blessing. The Hebrew word for "splendor" (הוֹדוֹ, hodo) conveys a sense of majesty and beauty. Olive trees are known for their longevity and resilience, thriving even in harsh conditions. This comparison suggests that Israel, once restored, will exhibit a beauty and strength that is enduring and divinely blessed. The olive tree's significance in the ancient Near East as a source of oil, food, and wood further underscores the idea of God's provision and the nation's restored glory.

his fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon
The "cedars of Lebanon" were renowned in the ancient world for their height, strength, and aromatic wood. The Hebrew word for "fragrance" (רֵיחַ, reyach) implies a pleasing and pervasive scent. This metaphor suggests that Israel's restored state will be not only visually splendid but also spiritually pleasing to God and others. The cedars of Lebanon were used in the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, symbolizing strength and permanence. Thus, the fragrance of the cedars represents the enduring and pleasing nature of a life lived in accordance with God's will, exuding a spiritual aroma that draws others to the beauty of holiness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hosea
A prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the 8th century BC, Hosea's ministry focused on calling Israel to repentance and warning of impending judgment due to their unfaithfulness to God.

2. Israel
The Northern Kingdom, often depicted in Hosea as an unfaithful spouse, is the primary audience of Hosea's prophecies. The nation is called to return to God and experience restoration.

3. Olive Tree
A symbol of beauty, fruitfulness, and longevity in the Bible. The olive tree is often associated with peace and prosperity.

4. Cedars of Lebanon
Renowned for their strength, height, and fragrance, these trees symbolize majesty and durability. They were used in the construction of Solomon's Temple.

5. Repentance and Restoration
The overarching theme of Hosea 14, where God promises to heal Israel's backsliding and restore them to a place of blessing and beauty.
Teaching Points
The Beauty of Repentance
Repentance leads to spiritual renewal and beauty. Just as the olive tree is known for its splendor, a life turned back to God reflects His glory.

Fruitfulness in Restoration
God's promise to restore Israel includes making them fruitful. In our lives, turning back to God results in spiritual fruitfulness and growth.

Strength and Stability
Like the cedars of Lebanon, a life rooted in God is strong and stable. Our spiritual fragrance, or testimony, should be evident to those around us.

God's Faithfulness
Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains committed to restoring them. This underscores His unwavering faithfulness to His promises.

The Call to Return
Hosea 14:6 is a reminder of God's open invitation to return to Him. No matter how far we stray, God desires to restore and beautify our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of the olive tree and the cedars of Lebanon in Hosea 14:6 enhance our understanding of God's promise of restoration?

2. In what ways can we see the beauty and fruitfulness of repentance in our own lives today?

3. How does the strength and fragrance of the cedars of Lebanon relate to our spiritual witness in the world?

4. What other biblical examples illustrate God's faithfulness in restoring His people after they have turned away?

5. How can we apply the message of Hosea 14:6 to encourage others who may feel distant from God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 52:8
The psalmist compares himself to a green olive tree in the house of God, emphasizing trust in God's unfailing love, similar to the imagery of growth and splendor in Hosea 14:6.

Isaiah 35:2
This verse speaks of the desert blossoming and rejoicing, paralleling the themes of restoration and beauty found in Hosea 14:6.

Romans 11:17-24
Paul uses the olive tree metaphor to describe the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant people, echoing the themes of growth and restoration.
Repentance, or ReformationD. Thomas Hosea 14:1-7
God's Response to the PenitentJ. Orr Hosea 14:4-8
The Bedewed ChurchA. Rowland Hosea 14:5, 6
A Fertilized ChurchI. K. Jackson.Hosea 14:5-7
Abiding Beauty of the Godly LifeE. Aubrey.Hosea 14:5-7
As the DewHosea 14:5-7
Christ is as the DewPhilip Henry.Hosea 14:5-7
Dew to IsraelE. B. Pusey, D. D.Hosea 14:5-7
Dew unto IsraelOriginal Secession MagazineHosea 14:5-7
Dew Upon IsraelJoseph Halsey.Hosea 14:5-7
Divine InfluenceJohn Dunlop.Hosea 14:5-7
Divine RefreshingsPreacher's Assistant.Hosea 14:5-7
Divine Relationship and Human ResponsivenessW. H. Tetley.Hosea 14:5-7
Five Good MarksJ. M. Gibbon.Hosea 14:5-7
Fragrant InfluenceA. A Ramsey.Hosea 14:5-7
God Does Everything BeautifullyHosea 14:5-7
God Promises to Restore Fruitfulness to EphraimMoses Margoliouth, B. A.Hosea 14:5-7
God's Mission and ExpectationJ. W. Bray.Hosea 14:5-7
God's Silent BlessingsH. C. M'Cook, D. D.Hosea 14:5-7
Grace Reviving IsraelAnon.Hosea 14:5-7
Improvement in Religion the Fruit of a Divine InfluenceS. Stenner, D. D.Hosea 14:5-7
Like the Olive and LebanonHosea 14:5-7
Lily, Cedar, OliveAnon.Hosea 14:5-7
National ProsperityJ.R. Thomson Hosea 14:5-7
On Divine InfluenceJohn Hunt.Hosea 14:5-7
Sacred SimilitudesA. Roberts, M. A.Hosea 14:5-7
Soul RevivalE. Aubrey.Hosea 14:5-7
Spiritual BeautyE. Aubrey.Hosea 14:5-7
Spiritual Blessings for the True Israel of GodR. H. Whitworth.Hosea 14:5-7
Spiritual FragranceE. Aubrey.Hosea 14:5-7
Spiritual GrowthWesleyan MagazineHosea 14:5-7
Spiritual Growth by Dependence and PruningE. Aubrey.Hosea 14:5-7
Spiritual ProgressE. Aubrey.Hosea 14:5-7
Spiritual ProsperityHosea 14:5-7
Spiritual RestorationE. Aubrey.Hosea 14:5-7
Spiritual StrengthE. Aubrey.Hosea 14:5-7
The Believer's Growth in GraceRichard Burgess, D. D.Hosea 14:5-7
The Blessings of the Church of Christ to OthersSamuel Eyles Pierce.Hosea 14:5-7
The DewA. Raleigh, D. D.Hosea 14:5-7
The Dew and its EnergiesG. J. Proctor.Hosea 14:5-7
The Dew and the PlantsA. Maclaren, D. D.Hosea 14:5-7
The Dew of God's Grace, and its ResultsClergyman's MagazineHosea 14:5-7
The Dew of Israel and the Lily of GodF. W. Krummacher.Hosea 14:5-7
The Dew of the Holy SpiritJoseph Jowett, M. A.Hosea 14:5-7
The Dew unto IsraelJ. Robinson Gregory.Hosea 14:5-7
The Divine Dew and its ResultR. Finlayson, B. A.Hosea 14:5-7
The Grace of God Like the DewJames Kidd, D. D.Hosea 14:5-7
The Holy Spirit as the DewCanon Morse.Hosea 14:5-7
The Lord as the DewD. Davies.Hosea 14:5-7
The Measure of Blessing in Spiritual Influence Determined by Human DispositionE. Aubrey.Hosea 14:5-7
The Metaphor of the DewSamuel Eyles Pierce.Hosea 14:5-7
The Progressive ChristianG Brooks.Hosea 14:5-7
The Uses of the OliveA. Maclaren, D. D.Hosea 14:5-7
What God Will be to His PeopleW. H. Ridley, M. A.Hosea 14:5-7
Return to God: its Ultimate ResultsC. Jerdan Hosea 14:5-8
People
Ashur, Hosea
Places
Assyria, Lebanon, Samaria
Topics
Beautiful, Beauty, Branches, Cedar, Cedars, Fragrance, Grow, Lebanon, Olive, Olive-tree, Shoots, Smell, Splendor, Spread, Sprout, Stretched, Sucklings, Sweet-smelling, Tree
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Hosea 14:1-8

     4824   famine, spiritual

Hosea 14:4-7

     4446   flowers

Hosea 14:4-8

     7233   Israel, northern kingdom

Hosea 14:5-6

     4424   cedar
     4492   olive
     5183   smell

Hosea 14:5-7

     4428   corn

Library
December 4. "From Me is Thy Fruit Found" (Hos. xiv. 8).
"From me is thy fruit found" (Hos. xiv. 8). Nothing keeps us from advancement more than ruts and drifts, and wheel-tracks into which our chariots roll and then move on in the narrow line with unchanging monotony, currents in life's stream on which we are borne in the old direction until the law of habit almost makes advance impossible. The true remedy for this is to commence at nothing; taking Christ afresh to be the Alpha and Omega for a deeper, higher, Divine experience, waiting even for His conception
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

A Colloquy Between a Penitent and God
'A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the Lord their God. Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto Thee; for Thou art the Lord our God.'---JER. iii. 21, 22. We have here a brief dramatic dialogue. First is heard a voice from the bare heights, the sobs and cries of penitence, produced by the prophet's earnest remonstrance. The penitent
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Israel Returning
'O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. 2. Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto Him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. 3. Asshur shall 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. 4. I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Dew and the Plants
'I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. 6. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive-tree ...'--Hosea xiv. 5, 6. Like his brethren, Hosea was a poet as well as a prophet. His little prophecy is full of similes and illustrations drawn from natural objects; scarcely any of them from cities or from the ways of men; almost all of them from Nature, as seen in the open country, which he evidently loved, and where he had looked
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Fresh Supplies of Power.
"As the Dew." There is another very important bit needed to complete the circle of truth we are going over together in these quiet talks. Namely, the daily life after the act of surrender and all that comes with that act. The steady pull day by day. After the eagle-flight up into highest air, and the hundred yards dash, or even the mile run, comes the steady, steady walking mile after mile. The real test of life is here. And the highest victories are here, too. I recall the remark made by a friend
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power

Where to Find Fruit
According to Master Trapp, some read this passage, "In me is thy fruit ready." Certain it is that at all times, whenever we approach to God, we shall find in him a ready supply for every lack. The best of trees have fruit on them only at appointed seasons. Who is so unreasonable as to look for fruit upon the peach or the plum at this season of the year? No drooping boughs beckon us to partake of their ripening crops, for Winter's cold still nips the buds. But our God hath fruit at all times: the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 10: 1864

The Joyous Return
"When God's right arm is bared for war, And thunders clothe his cloudy car." e'en then he stays his uplifted hand, reins in the steeds of vengeance, and holds communion with grace; "for his mercy endureth for ever," and "judgment is his strange work." To use another figure: the whole book of Hosea is like a great trial wherein witnesses have appeared against the accused, and the arguments and excuses of the guilty have been answered and baffled. All has been heard for them, and much, very much against
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Great Change
"Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found."--Hosea 14:8. THIS PASSAGE IS in very vivid contrast to what Ephraim had previously said, as it is recorded in the early part of Hosea's prophecy. If you turn to the second chapter, and the fifth verse, you will find this same Ephraim saying, "I will go after my lovers, that give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, mine oil and my drink."
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 42: 1896

Grace Abounding
Since the word "freely" is the very key-note of the text, we must observe its common meaning among men. We use the word "freely" for that which is given without money and without price. It is opposed to all idea of bargaining, to all acceptance of an equivalent, or that which might be construed into an equivalent. A man is said to give freely when he bestows his charity on applicants simply on the ground of their poverty, hoping for nothing again. A man distributes freely when, without asking any
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 9: 1863

6Th Day. Restoring Grace.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "I will heal their backsliding."--HOSEA xiv. 4. Restoring Grace. Wandering again! And has He not left me to perish? Stumbling and straying on the dark mountains, away from the Shepherd's eye and the Shepherd's fold, shall He not leave the erring wanderer to the fruit of his own ways, and his truant heart to go hopelessly onward in its career of guilty estrangement? "My thoughts," says God, "are not as your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." Man would say, "Go,
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
(From the Gospel for the day; and from Hosea xiv. 1, 2.) Of the great wonders which God has wrought, and still works for us Christian men; wherefore it is just and reasonable that we should turn unto Him and follow Him, and whereby we may discern between true and false conversion. Matt. viii. 23.--"Jesus went into a ship, and His disciples followed Him." And Hosea xiv. 1, 2.--"O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; take with you words, and turn to the Lord." WE read in the Gospel for this day that
Susannah Winkworth—The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler

Backsliding.
"I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away."--Hosea xiv. 4. There are two kinds of backsliders. Some have never been converted: they have gone through the form of joining a Christian community and claim to be backsliders; but they never have, if I may use the expression, "slid forward." They may talk of backsliding; but they have never really been born again. They need to be treated differently from real back-sliders--those who have been born of the incorruptible
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
1. The Hebrews reckon but three books as poetical, namely: Job, Psalms, and Proverbs, which are distinguished from the rest by a stricter rhythm--the rhythm not of feet, but of clauses (see below, No. 3)--and a peculiar system of accentuation. It is obvious to every reader that the poetry of the Old Testament, in the usual sense of the word, is not restricted to these three books. But they are called poetical in a special and technical sense. In any natural classification of the books of the
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

A Prayer when one Begins to be Sick.
O most righteous Judge, yet in Jesus Christ my gracious Father! I, wretched sinner, do here return unto thee, though driven with pain and sickness, like the prodigal child with want and hunger. I acknowledge that this sickness and pain comes not by blind chance or fortune, but by thy divine providence and special appointment. It is the stroke of thy heavy hand, which my sins have justly deserved; and the things that I feared are now fallen upon me (Job iii. 25.) Yet do I well perceive that in wrath
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Growth in Grace
'But grow in grace.' 2 Pet 3:38. True grace is progressive, of a spreading and growing nature. It is with grace as with light; first, there is the crepusculum, or daybreak; then it shines brighter to the full meridian. A good Christian is like the crocodile. Quamdiu vivet crescit; he has never done growing. The saints are not only compared to stars for their light, but to trees for their growth. Isa 61:1, and Hos 14:4. A good Christian is not like Hezekiah's sun that went backwards, nor Joshua's
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Covenant of Grace
Q-20: DID GOD LEAVE ALL MANKIND TO PERISH 1N THE ESTATE OF SIN AND MISERY? A: No! He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver the elect out of that state, and to bring them into a state of grace by a Redeemer. 'I will make an everlasting covenant with you.' Isa 55:5. Man being by his fall plunged into a labyrinth of misery, and having no way left to recover himself, God was pleased to enter into a new covenant with him, and to restore him to life by a Redeemer. The great proposition I shall go
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Prayer.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PRAYER. WHAT is prayer? A sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Spirit, for such things as God hath promised. The best prayers have often more groans than words. Alas, how few there be in the world whose heart and mouth in prayer shall go together. Dost thou, when thou askest for the Spirit, or faith, or love to God, to holiness, to saints, to the word, and the like, ask for them with love to them,
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan

"He is the Rock, his Work is Perfect, for all his Ways are Judgment, a God of Truth, and Without Iniquity, Just and Right is He.
Deut. xxxii. 4, 5.--"He is the Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are judgment, a God of truth, and without iniquity, just and right is he. They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children," &c. There are none can behold their own vileness as it is, but in the sight of God's glorious holiness. Sin is darkness, and neither sees itself, nor any thing else, therefore must his light shine to discover this darkness. If we abide within ourselves, and men like ourselves,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Religion Pleasant to the Religious.
"O taste and see how gracious the Lord is; blessed is the man that trusteth in Him."--Psalm xxxiv. 8. You see by these words what love Almighty God has towards us, and what claims He has upon our love. He is the Most High, and All-Holy. He inhabiteth eternity: we are but worms compared with Him. He would not be less happy though He had never created us; He would not be less happy though we were all blotted out again from creation. But He is the God of love; He brought us all into existence,
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

The Beginning of Justification. In what Sense Progressive.
1. Men either idolatrous, profane, hypocritical, or regenerate. 1. Idolaters void of righteousness, full of unrighteousness, and hence in the sight of God altogether wretched and undone. 2. Still a great difference in the characters of men. This difference manifested. 1. In the gifts of God. 2. In the distinction between honorable and base. 3. In the blessings of he present life. 3. All human virtue, how praiseworthy soever it may appear, is corrupted. 1. By impurity of heart. 2. By the absence of
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Tests of Love to God
LET us test ourselves impartially whether we are in the number of those that love God. For the deciding of this, as our love will be best seen by the fruits of it, I shall lay down fourteen signs, or fruits, of love to God, and it concerns us to search carefully whether any of these fruits grow in our garden. 1. The first fruit of love is the musing of the mind upon God. He who is in love, his thoughts are ever upon the object. He who loves God is ravished and transported with the contemplation of
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

They Shall be Called the Children of God
They shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9 In these words the glorious privilege of the saints is set down. Those who have made their peace with God and labour to make peace among brethren, this is the great honour conferred upon them, They shall be called the children of God'. They shall be (called)', that is, they shall be so reputed and esteemed of God. God never miscalls anything. He does not call them children which are no children. Thou shalt be called the prophet of the Highest'
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly
WE shall consider, first, what things work for good to the godly; and here we shall show that both the best things and the worst things work for their good. We begin with the best things. 1. God's attributes work for good to the godly. (1). God's power works for good. It is a glorious power (Col. i. 11), and it is engaged for the good of the elect. God's power works for good, in supporting us in trouble. "Underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deut. xxxiii. 27). What upheld Daniel in the lion's den?
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

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