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.
14:4e 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.
