Hosea 14:5-7 I will be as the dew to Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.… I. OPEN AND EXPLAIN THE DECLARATION AND PROMISE HERE GIVEN. The fountain and spring of these words originates from the former. Some interpret as a promise of the Holy Ghost. The expression, "I will be as the dew unto Israel," is indicative of Divine sovereignty. Here is the will of God expressed in a promise. In Scripture, things very delightful and refreshing are compared to dew. Unity amongst brethren is compared to the "dew of Hermon." Afflictions and sufferings are like dew and drops of the night. The metaphor as now before us is designed to show how the Church of God and the saints of the Most High are refreshed by the love of the Father, the salvation of the Son, and the gracious influences of the Holy Ghost. He falling gradually and insensibly on the souls of the elect, they are most blessedly revived and refreshed; so as to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and made fruitful in every good word and work. II. THE SUDDEN CHANGE PRODUCED BY THE FULFILMENT OF THE PROMISE. "He shall grow as the lily." The expression is used of spiritual growth. This can only be by the grace and Divine influences of the Holy Spirit. III. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN THIS FLOURISHING CONDITION. "He shall cast forth his roots as Lebanon." The strength of Christ's Church, and the fixation and firmness of the same, will be such as cannot be moved. The whole of these words are an absolute promise. God's "I will" runs throughout them. (Samuel Eyles Pierce.) Parallel Verses KJV: I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. |
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