Hosea 14:9-end

Such visual images! And the sense of smell gets a workout too in the imagination.

I remember a song from Redeemer days based on these words. The tune was very ethereal.

The images are of plants, gorgeous plants. Cedars, lilies, fresh dew on the green hillside, blossoms, grapes. It speaks of abundance. Not only do you see green and white you smell cedar and flower scents.

God wants to restore. He does not want to judge.

The last verse is a wisdom verse, like in Proverbs, but also found in Psalms. If you want to be wise, you follow God. The righteous walk in God's ways but sinners stumble over God's ways. They will impede him. Doesn't that ring true in our experience.

Recently I was walking in a forest with a lot of fallen trees. They must have fallen in our most recent hurricane. So they almost all had fallen in the same direction. If I had wanted to go the same direction the trees had fallen I would have had smooth sailing, no problems. But since I needed to go at a 90 degree angle to the trees my movement was severely impeded. The image of Hosea reminds me of that. It's not a great analogy, no.

Hosea 14:4-9 CEV Israel, you have rejected me, but my anger is gone; I will heal you and love you without limit. (5) I will be like the dew-- then you will blossom like lilies and have roots like a tree. (6) Your branches will spread with the beauty of an olive tree and with the aroma of the cedars of Lebanon. (7) You will rest in my shade, and your grain will grow. You will blossom like a vineyard and be famous as the wine from Lebanon. (8) Israel, give up your idols! I will answer your prayers and take care of you. I am that glorious tree, the source of your fruit. (9) If you are wise, you will know and understand what I mean. I am the LORD, and I lead you along the right path. If you obey me, we will walk together, but if you are wicked, you will stumble.