Repentance and returning to the Lord would benefit the people of Israel in many ways. God would forgive them and heal their backsliding. Moreover, His love for them would be unwavering, for his anger would be turned away. This love is not fleeting but would be a constant source of comfort and security.
Using metaphors, Hosea 14:5-7 depicts the blessings Israel would
experience. The metaphor of ‘lilies that blossom’ symbolizes the beauty and
purity of their renewed relationship with God. The metaphor of ‘fruitful trees
with deep roots and luxuriant shoots and leaves’ represents the strength and
prosperity they would enjoy.
In verse 8, God even promises that His blessings to them would far
outweigh the illusive prosperity they had desired when they turn to worship and
pursue Baal. The last verse closed with an assurance to the wise who would heed
the call and a warning of disaster for those who persist in their disobedience.
God's blessings are not just abundant, but they surpass any worldly prosperity.
Israel’s history reveals that the people did not heed
God's call. Second Kings 17 tells us that King Shalmaneser of Assyria finally
conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel during King Hoshea's reign. He not
only destroyed her cities but also took the people into captivity and settled
them in various parts of his kingdom. All these took place in 722 B.C.
Our relationship with God must be carefully guarded and given
the utmost attention. Let us prioritize our relationship with Him. Whenever we
slip and stray, we must quickly repent, seek His forgiveness, and return to
embrace His enduring love and blessings.
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