Hosea 6:3—“Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.”
The prophet Hosea moves from the call to return in verse 1 to the pursuit of deeper knowledge. So he said, “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD”. This knowing is not mere intellectual awareness but covenantal intimacy. It is relational, experiential, and progressive. The phrase “follow on” suggests perseverance; knowing God is not a momentary act but a lifelong pursuit marked by devotion and obedience.
Hosea addresses a situation in which Israel’s repentance was superficial and short-lived. Yet here, the Spirit directs them toward a true path of steadfast pursuit of God Himself. The promise He gives is certain: “his going forth is prepared as the morning”. Just as the dawn is certain after the night, so God’s self-revelation is dependable. He is not hiding from His people; He is ready to be known by those who earnestly seek Him.
Moreover, God “shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth”. In an agrarian society, rain meant life, fruitfulness, and renewal. So, it is spiritually. When God comes, He refreshes dry hearts, restores fruitfulness, and sustains life.
As believers, we must move beyond superficial faith into a diligent pursuit of God. Do not be content with occasional devotion; press on to know Him. In times of spiritual dryness, remember that His coming is as sure as the dawn breaking the night, and as powerful and life-giving as the rain that revives the parched earth. Seek Him earnestly, and you will find that He meets you with renewing grace.
