Definition: But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the LORD their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Hosea 1:7. It’s a really important and poignant passage about forgiveness and redemption. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that God will forgive the people of Judah – a specific group of Israelites – even if they don’t fight back or take drastic action to defend themselves. It’s a message of mercy and hope, despite their failings. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah…” - This is the key phrase. "House of Judah" refers to the group of Israelites who were under Hosea’s leadership during a period of intense rebellion and mistrust. It's a specific group they were struggling with. “…and will save them by the LORD their God…” - This means that God intends to rescue them, not through force or violence, but through His divine guidance and power – specifically, through trusting in God’s covenant (a promise) with them. “And will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, nor by horses, nor by horsemen.” - This is the surprising part. The verse clearly states that God won't use aggressive tactics like war or violence to save them. It’s saying that salvation isn’t about winning a fight; it’s about receiving forgiveness and restoration through God’s grace. What does this mean practically? This verse speaks to the idea of forgiveness and reconciliation. It suggests: God's Love is Unconditional: He loves his people even when they are rebellious and make mistakes. Forgiveness Through Grace: Salvation isn’t earned through good deeds or actions; it's a gift from God, offered freely to those who repent of their sins. Redemption through Trust: It’s about trusting in God’s plan and allowing Him to work through them to turn away from their mistakes. In essence, Hosea 1:7 is a powerful reminder that God’s love extends even to those who have fallen short of His expectations. It's about hope and restoration, not about punishment. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Hosea? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail (like its relationship to Hosean’s overall message)?