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.… The cause of all which follows is this, God by His gracious Spirit will be "as the dew unto Israel." Upon that note of the prosperous success this dew of God's Spirit hath in them. "They shall grow as the lily." Objection — 1. The lily grows but hath no stability. Then "they shall cast out their roots as Lebanon." With growth they shall have stability; not only grow in height speedily, but also grow fast in the root with firmness. Objection — 2. As everything that grows in root and firmness doth not spread itself, he says "his branches shall spread," making him more fruitful and comfortable to others. Objection — 3. Everything is not fruitful, therefore he shall be as the olive-tree for fruitfulness. Objection- 4. The olive hath no pleasant smell or good taste. Therefore he adds another blessing. They shall, in regard to their pleasantness to God and man, be "as .the smell of Lebanon," which was a wondrous, pleasant, and delightful place. ( Sibbes, Richard.) Parallel Verses KJV: I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. |
    |