Hosea 14:4 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him. I will heal their backsliding - Here is the answer of God to these prayers and resolutions. See its parts: -

1. Ye have backslidden and fallen, and are grievously and mortally wounded by that fall; but I, who am the Author of life, and who redeem from death, will heal all these wounds and spiritual diseases.

2. I will love them freely - נדבה nedabah, after a liberal, princely manner. I will love them so as to do them incessant good. It shall not be a love of affection merely, but shall be a beneficial love. A love that not only feels delight in itself, but fills them with delight who are its objects, by making them unutterably and supremely happy.

3. For mine anger is turned away from him - Because he has turned back to me. Thus God and man become friends.

Hosea 14:4

4 I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.