Hosea 3:5

“Afterward shall the children of Israel return, etc.] The ten tribes of Israel, and also the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin, which are included in the name of Israel, as Aben Ezra interprets it; and these are joined together in parallel places; (see <243003>Jeremiah 30:3,9 <245004>50:4,5) for though they did not go into captivity together, yet their return and conversion will be at the same time; and they are all spoken of under the name of Israel by the Apostle Paul, when he foretells their conversion and salvation, (<451126>Romans 11:26). The “return” of them, here prophesied of, does not barely mean their return to their own land, which will be at this time; (see <243003>Jeremiah 30:3…”

“Afterward--after the long period ("many days," Hos 3:4) has elapsed. return--from their idols to "their God," from whom they had wandered. David their king--Israel had forsaken the worship of Jehovah at the same time that they forsook their allegiance to David's line. Their repentance towards God is therefore to be accompanied by their return to the latter. So Judah and Israel shall be one, and under "one head," as is also foretold (Hos 1:11). That representative and antitype of David is Messiah. "David" means "the beloved." Compare as to Messiah, Mat 3:17; Eph 1:6. Messiah is called David (Isa 55:3-4; Jer 30:9; Eze 34:23-24; Eze 37:24-25). fear the Lord and his goodness--that is,…”

“Afterward shall the children of Israel return - Elsewhere it is said more fully, “return to the Lord.” It expresses more than “turning” or even conversion to God. It is not conversion only, but reversion too, a turning “back from” the unbelief and sins, for which they had left God, and a return to Him whom they had forsaken. And shall seek the Lord - This word, “seek,” expresses in Hebrew, from its intensive form, a diligent search; as used with regard to God, it signifies a religious search. It is not such seeking as our Lord speaks of, “Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves and were filled” John 6:26, or, “many shall seek to enter in and shall…”

“Return - Repent. And David - The Messiah who is the son of David. And his goodness - God and his goodness; that is, the good and gracious God. God in Christ and with Christ shall be worshipped. The latter days - In the days of the Messiah, in gospel - times. Next: Hosea Chapter 4”

“3:5 The Lord’s purpose for depriving the Israelites of these things was to get them to return to him in reverential awe and recognize him alone as the source of all goodness.”

“seek: Hos 5:6, Hos 5:15; Isa 27:12, Isa 27:13; Jer 3:22, Jer 3:23, Jer 31:6-10, Jer 50:4, Jer 50:5 and David their king: Kg1 12:16; Isa 55:3, Isa 55:4; Jer 30:9, Jer 33:17; Eze 34:23, Eze 34:24, Eze 37:22-25; Amo 9:11; Act 15:16-18 fear: Psa 130:3, Psa 130:4; Jer 33:9; Eze 16:63; Rom 2:4 in the: Num 24:14; Deu 4:30; Isa 2:2; Jer 30:24; Eze 38:8, Eze 38:16; Dan 2:28, Dan 10:14; Mic 4:1; Rom 11:25 Next: Hosea Chapter 4”

“"Afterward will the sons of Israel turn and seek Jehovah their God, and David their king, and will go trembling to Jehovah and to His goodness at the end of the days." This section, like the previous one, closes with the announcement of the eventual conversation of Israel, which was not indicated in the symbolical action which precedes it, but is added to complete the interpretation of the symbol. Seeking Jehovah their God is connected with seeking David their king. For just as the falling away of the ten tribes from the royal house of David was merely the sequel and effect of their inward apostasy from Jehovah, and was openly declared in the setting up of the golden calves; the true return…”