Book of Hosea Chapter 6 Vs. 1

Israel and Judah Are Unrepentant

Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. Hos. 6:1

Come and let... The 8th prophecy in Hosea (Hos. 6:1-3, unfulfilled). Next, Hos. 7:12.

Seven Predictions—Unfulfilled:

1. He will heal us (Hos. 6:1).

2. He will bind us up.

3. After two days will He revive us (Hos. 6:2).

4. In the third day He will raise us up.

5. We will live in His sight.

6. Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord (Hos. 6:3).

7. He will come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.

us return unto... These are to be the words of Israel in the last days, as already symbolized by Gomer (Hos. 3:2-3) and foretold in Hos. 3:5 (cp. Zec. 12:10-13:1; Rom. 11:25-29). We shall live in his sight, the prophet vicariously leads his people in a prayer of repentance and a plea for restoration that can ultimately take place only in the day when Israel as a nation will be converted (Jer. 31:31-34), and God will set up His kingdom over His people and reign for a thousand years.

This is speaking as if their captivity has already taken place. It is the same God that tore them, who will forgive them and cause them to begin again. God chastises His people as a loving parent. He is also full of grace and love for the very same people. God is our Judge, but He is also our Redeemer.

LET US RETURN UNTO THE LORD

How full Scripture is of tender invitations, Come, and let us return! This opening verse is closely connected with Hos. 5:15. The hand that smote was the Father’s who waited to welcome the prodigal nation with healing and up-binding.

Their shallow hearts need deepening. Have they not been deepened enough? Wherefore I have hewn them by the prophets, I have slain them by the words of My mouth, and My judgment goeth forth like the lightning. For real love have I desired, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings.

These verses record the words the penitent generation of the future will declare as they seek the Lord. The message is constructed in two cycles, each containing an exhortation (Hos. 6:1, 6:3) and a motivating promise (Hos. 6:1-2, 6:3).

In contrast with her past folly (cf. Hos. 5:13), Israel will turn to the Lord as her source of healing and life (cf. Deut. 32:39). Assyria was not able to cure Israel (Hos. 5:13), but the Lord is able, even though like a lion (Hos. 5:14) He had torn them to pieces.