Definition: Also, O Judah, he hath set an harvest for thee, when I returned the captivity of my people.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 6:11 together. It's a really beautiful and important message about God’s care for his chosen people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is promising to bless and provide for Judah (which refers to the Israelites) with a good harvest. Let’s unpack that a little further: “Also, O Judah…” : This is a gentle, personal address to Hosea. It's like saying "Hey, Hosea." “…he hath set an harvest for thee…” : This means God has planned and orchestrated something good for Judah. He’s giving them a reward or a benefit. Think of it like planting a garden – you work the soil, nurture the plants, and eventually have a bountiful harvest. “When I returned the captivity of my people” : This is the key part! "Captivity" means being lost, forgotten, or in a difficult situation. “Returned” means God has forgiven them for their mistakes and brought them back to him. It's about restoring them to his favor after they’ve been away from him. So, putting it all together: God is saying that He will bless and provide for Judah with good things – a harvest of blessings – because He has forgiven them for their past wrongs and brought them back to Him. It's a promise of restoration, reward, and abundance. It’s a message of hope and forgiveness. It reminds us that God loves his people even when they stumble and that He wants to provide for them in the end. Does this make sense? Would you like me to: Explain any of these phrases further? Give you some context about Hosea and this verse within the larger story of the book?