Hosea 14:9

What significance for Hosea’s overall message do we gain from the closure of his book in 14:9?

Answer:

In Hosea 14:9, the last verse in the book of Hosea, we read these words:

Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them (Hosea 14:9).

This verse is, in fact, what we might call a “wisdom saying,” because in it the prophet asks, “Whoever is wise … let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right.” The Lord’s revelations that came to his people throughout this book came through metaphorical language, whether through Hosea’s marriage to Gomer the adulteress, or through his three children whose names have specific indications and meanings. So, the reader needs wisdom to understand the meaning and the purpose of the book, and to understand God’s thoughts and purposes. Also, the generations that would come afterwards and read this book would not live when Hosea married Gomer, nor would they see his children. They would need divine wisdom in order to understand the purpose of this book and the message God intended to send to his people in this book. That’s why the ending of this book is very significant as it asks for wisdom to understand the message of the Lord to his people in the book of Hosea.