2. The fruits of repentance (14:1-9)

As Hosea is willing not only to take Gomer back, but to buy her back, so the Lord is eager to restore adulterous Israel. All that is necessary for that restoration is for Israel to turn back to God. This involves a specific request for forgiveness (v.2) and a conscious turning away from the false dependencies (v.3). The emphasis on “words” in v.2 shows that repentance is always conscious and intentional. It begins to become a reality only when it is objectified through verbalization.

When Israel is living in genuine dependence upon God, the very abundance that they vainly sought from idols will be showered upon them (vv.4-7). God does want to bless his people. He does want them to be a fruitful vine (10:1). But when we seek this for ourselves or seek to ensure it through manipulative ways, he cannot give what we seek. However, when we seek him, the blessings follow, not as ends, but as by-products (v.8).