14:1 O Israel, {a} return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. (a) He exhorts them to repentance to avoid all these plagues, exhorting them to declare by words their obedience and repentance. 14:2 Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, {b} Take away all iniquity, and receive [us] graciously: so will we render the calves of our {c} lips. (b) He shows them that they ought to confess their sins. (c) Declaring that this is the true sacrifice that the faithful can offer, even thanks and praise; He 13:15. 14:3 Asshur shall {d} not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, [Ye are] our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy. (d) We will forsake all vain confidence and pride. 14:4 {e} I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him. (e) He declares how ready God is to receive those that do repent. 14:7 They that dwell under his {f} shadow shall return; they shall revive [as] the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof [shall be] as the wine of Lebanon. (f) Whoever unites themselves to this people will be blessed. 14:8 Ephraim [shall say], What have I to do any more with idols? I {g} have heard [him], and observed him: I [am] like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found. (g) God shows how prompt he is to hear his own when they repent, and to offer himself as a protection and safeguard for them, as a most sufficient fruit and benefit. 14:9 Who [is] {h} wise, and he shall understand these [things]? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD [are] right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein. (h) Signifying that the true wisdom and knowledge consists in this, even to rest upon God. |