2
HOS 14:2
4
HOS 14:4
Hosea 14:4. Freely— Are good works then nothing, you will say? "Is there no place at all for them in the doctrine of repentance? I answer, that hitherto the discourse hath been about remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. These are entirely gratuitous, and not of our merit, but simply of the inexhaustible goodness and compassion of God. Therefore, when we speak of the remission of sins, it is right to be silent about our own works; which, because they are done without the Holy Spirit, although with regard to civil society they may not be bad, yet cannot be called good, and ought not; because of the unclean heart, from which they proceed. But when through faith we have received remission of sins, and, together with that, the gift of the Holy Ghost; forthwith from the heart, as from a pure fountain, come forth works also good, and well-pleasing to God," &c. See Luther's Commentary upon this chapter.
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HOS 14:7
Hosea 14:7. They that dwell under his shadow shall return, &c.— They shall return and dwell under his shadow; they shall sprout out again as the corn, and bloom as the vine: he shall be praised as the wine of Lebanon, or "as the most exquisite wine which was offered at the altar." Under his shadow means the shadow of JEHOVAH.
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HOS 14:8
Hosea 14:8. I have heard him, &c.— I will hear him; I will exalt him on high, like a green fir-tree: thy fruits shall spring forth from me. Houbigant.
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Hosea 14:2. Take with you words— Take with you leaders. Houbigant; who renders the latter part of the verse, That we may receive good things, and may render the fruits of our lips. See Hebrews 13:15. The calves of our lips, may signify those praises which are to be in the stead of sacrifices; of calves and of goats.
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