Hosea 14:4 I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for my anger is turned away from him. St. Austin says, "Those that are to petition great persons, they will obtain some who are skilful to frame their petitions; lest by their unskilfulness they provoke anger, instead of carrying away the benefit desired." So it is here with God's people, being to deal with the great God, and not being able to frame their own petitions. God answers them graciously with the same mercies which He had suggested them to ask. His answer is full, "I will love them freely." This He does because — 1. It is His name and nature to be gracious. 2. No creature can deserve anything at God's hands.God did not then begin to love them, when He said, I will love them freely, but to discover that love which He carried unto them from all eternity. Whatsoever is in God (manifested in time) is eternal and everlasting in Him, without beginning or ending; for whatsoever is in God, is God. His love, discovered in time, must needs be from all eternity. This free love and favour of God is the cause of all other mercies and free favours, whereby He discovereth His love unto us. 1. It is the cause of election. 2. Of vocation. 3. Of forgiveness of sins. 4. Of the grace of love. 5. Of justification, sanctification, etc. 6. Of eternal life.If we would have God to manifest His free love to us, let us strive to be obedient to His commandments, and stir up our hearts by all means to love Him, who hath so freely loved us. The reason for the discovery of this love is thus given. "For Mine anger is turned away from him." There is anger in God against sin: because there is an antipathy between Him and sin. God's anger is the special thing in afflictions. Judgments are called God's anger. God will turn away His anger upon repentance. It is His nature to do so. Learn to observe God's truth in the performance of His gracious promises. ( Sibbes, Richard, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.WEB: "I will heal their waywardness. I will love them freely; for my anger is turned away from him. |
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