Hosea 14:8

“Ephraim [shall say], what have I to do any more with idols? etc.] This is to be understood, not of apostate Ephraim, as in the times of the prophet, who was so wedded and glued to the idols, that there was no hope of getting him from them; and therefore is bid to let him alone, (<280417>Hosea 4:17); but of Ephraim Israel returning to God at his call, under the influence of his grace, in the latter day, (<281401>Hosea 14:1,2). Idols are the same with the works of their hands, (<281403>Hosea 14:3); and to be interpreted, not of graven or molten images, to the worship of which the Jews have not been addicted since their captivity to this day; (see <280304>Hosea 3:4); but of the idols of their…”

“Ephraim shall say--being brought to penitence by God's goodness, and confessing and abhorring his past madness. I have heard . . . and observed him--I Jehovah have answered and regarded him with favor; the opposite of God's "hiding His face from" one (Deu 31:17). It is the experience of God's favor, in contrast to God's wrath heretofore, that leads Ephraim to abhor his past idolatry. Jehovah heard and answered: whereas the idols, as Ephraim now sees, could not hear, much less answer. I am . . . a green fir--or cypress; ever green, winter and summer alike; the leaves not falling off in winter. From me is thy fruit found--"From Me," as the root. Thou needest go no farther than Me for the…”

“Ephraim shall say, what have I to do anymore with idols? - So Isaiah fortells, “The idols He shall utterly abolish” Isaiah 2:18. Aforetime Ephraim said obstinately, in the midst of God’s chastisements; “I will go after my lovers, who give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, mine oil and my drink” Hosea 2:5. Now she shall renounce them wholly and forever. This is entire conversion, to part wholly with everything which would dispute the allegiance with God, to cease to look to any created thing or being, for what is the gift of the Creator alone. So the Apostle says, “what concord hath Christ with Belial?” 2 Corinthians 6:15. This verse exhibits in few, vivid, words, converted…”

“I have heard him - A gracious promise from God of hearing prayers. A green fir - tree - As a weary traveller finds rest and safety under a thick tree, so there is safety and refreshment under the protection of the Lord. From me - Of God alone. Hosea 14:9”

“14:8 Hosea exhorts Israel one final time to stay away from idols. Their life comes only from the Lord; he is an evergreen tree that always bears fruit.”

“What: Hos 14:2, Hos 14:3; Job 34:32; Act 19:18-20; Th1 1:9; Pe1 1:14-16, Pe1 4:3, Pe1 4:4 I have: Job 33:27; Jer 31:18-20; Luk 15:20; Joh 1:47, Joh 1:48 I am: Isa 41:19, Isa 55:13, Isa 60:13 From me: Joh 1:16, Joh 15:1-8; Gal 5:22, Gal 5:23; Eph 5:9; Phi 1:11, Phi 2:13, Phi 4:13; Jam 1:17 Hosea 14:9”