Chapter 13
13:1-16 When he offended in Baal, he died: Under Ahab, the nation gave itself to the worship of Baal, and the result
was spiritual death. The nation’s spiritual decline also resulted in political decline (cf 1 Kin 16:31).
13:4 There is no savior beside me: Israel had put its trust in other nations (5:13; 7:11; 8:9, 10) and its own strength
(9:6; 12:8; cf 2 Kin. 14:25-28) rather than in the One who is the only Savior.
13:14-16 I will ransom them from the power of the grave: Only God can save Israel from national extinction. After its
judgment is complete, Israel will ultimately be redeemed
and will bring forth fruits of repentance. This national repentance and restoration will be realized in the Israel of the
Millennium. Paul applies verse 14 to the resurrection of Christ, which guarantees the resurrection of all believers in
Christ.
Chapter 14
14:1-3: Calves of our lips: The word calves (Hebrew par, “a young bull or produce”) is best understood
metaphorically, referring to the words that the lips produce in this context praise to the Lord. The nation had used its
lips to praise the idolatrous calves; not it will use its lips in praise to the Lord God.
14:4-8 A green fir tree: Up to this time Ephraim has been a stench in the nostrils of God. Now, because its sin has
been dealt with, it will be pleasing to the Lord; and the fruit will satisfy Him, Hosea closes his prophecy on a high note.
God’s never-changing love for Israel will one day bring about her repentance and restoration to His full favor. This
prophecy of God’s bountiful blessing looks to the great millennial periods of Christ’s righteous and beneficent rule.