Hosea 14:6

Olive] the emblem of fatness and fertility.

8. This v. passes into a sort of dialogue between Ephraim and God. Thus:

Ephraim. What have I to do any more with idols? i.e. I will in future have nothing more to do with them.

Jehovah. (RV) 'I have answered, and will regard him,' i.e. I have heard his prayer, and will answer it.

Ephraim. I am like a green fir tree] I am strong and prosperous.

Jehovah. From me is thy fruit found, i.e. do not in prosperity once more forget that it comes from Me: cp. John 15:4.

9. A general reflection on the teaching of the book, which cannot be understood except by the wise and prudent, but in the end will be found to be true wisdom: cp. Psalms 107:43. This epilogue may have been added at a later date, to point the moral of the whole book.