Hosea 9:1-14:9

Judgment.  Repentance.  Remnant.  Restoration.  Hope.  Over and over again.

Hosea 11 is a heartbreaking chapter. It reminds me of Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son in the NT. God is holy, and loving. Righteous, and forgiving. His perfect nature comes together on the cross. God’s righteousness is satisfied by Jesus’ obedience and death, and God can pour out His compassion on us because of Him!

Romans 3:21-26 (WEB) “But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God sent to be an atoning sacrifice through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God’s forbearance; to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time, that he might himself be just and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.”

Or, as I like to think of it, on the cross: “Mercy and truth meet together. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” (Psalm 85:10, WEB)

Hosea 14:9 is a great conclusion for the book, and a wonderful everyday reminder for how to live: “Who is wise, that he may understand these things? Who is prudent, that he may know them? For the ways of Yahweh are right, and the righteous walk in them; But the rebellious stumble in them.”

And if we have transgressed, what do we do?

Hosea 14:1-2 (WEB) “Israel, return to Yahweh your God; for you have fallen because of your sin. Take words with you, and return to Yahweh.”