Hosea 14

Receive Us Graciously

O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Hosea 14:1–2

The prophet teaches Israel how to repent: come to the LORD, ask Him to take away iniquity and receive them by grace, and offer praise instead of animal sacrifice. Hebrews calls this the sacrifice of praise offered through Christ.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4)

• alluded to by Hebrews 13:15 — "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips."

Jehovah Who Heals and Loves Freely

Jehovah — the LORD, the eternal I AM

I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him. Hosea 14:4–7

Jehovah promises to heal and to love freely (without being paid), to be like refreshing dew so Israel grows like a lily, olive, and vine. This is the healing grace later offered through Christ's Atonement.

The Evergreen Tree Who Gives Fruit

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

Jehovah compares Himself to an ever-green tree and says all of Israel's fruit comes from Him. It echoes Christ's teaching that we bear fruit only by abiding in Him.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

• alluded to by John 15:4-5 — "I am the vine, ye are the branches... without me ye can do nothing."