Add parallel Print Page Options

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.

Israel, give up your idols!
I will answer your prayers
    and take care of you.[a]
I am that glorious tree,
    the source of your fruit.[b]

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.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 14.8 Israel … you: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
  2. 14.8 I am … fruit: This is the only place in the Old Testament where the Lord is compared to a tree. Hosea reminds the people that it is the Lord who is the source of life, rather than the Canaanite gods and goddesses that are worshiped under trees at the local shrines.

People will dwell again in his shade;(A)
    they will flourish like the grain,
they will blossom(B) like the vine—
    Israel’s fame will be like the wine(C) of Lebanon.(D)
Ephraim, what more have I[a] to do with idols?(E)
    I will answer him and care for him.
I am like a flourishing juniper;(F)
    your fruitfulness comes from me.”

Who is wise?(G) Let them realize these things.
    Who is discerning? Let them understand.(H)
The ways of the Lord are right;(I)
    the righteous walk(J) in them,
    but the rebellious stumble in them.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Hosea 14:8 Or Hebrew; Septuagint What more has Ephraim