The fruit of the vine should have been offered to God as a drink offering (see note Lev. 23:13^2a), but Israel used the vines to bring forth fruit for themselves, not for God. They became rich, but they used their produce to build up altars and to make idols.

Because they did not fear Jehovah, Israel was not able to be in a proper situation, with God’s deputy authority (a king) among them. This refers to the headship, the leadership, representing God as His authority among His people.

See note Hosea 4:15^2b.

Others translate, who rejoiced over it.

Referring to Israel’s two evils in forsaking Jehovah and turning to idols (Jer. 2:13 and note Jer. 2:13^1a).

Here to sow means to seek Jehovah. To seek Jehovah rightly is to sow rightly. Thus, Hosea charged the children of Israel to sow unto righteousness. If they did this, they would reap according to lovingkindness. Otherwise, if they plowed wickedness, they would reap injustice. Cf. Gal. 6:7-8.

Fallow ground is ground that has been plowed but has not been sown. The children of Israel were the fallow ground. They had been plowed by God but had not been sown with righteousness. They were to break up the fallow ground; i.e., they were to seek God until Christ came as righteousness to rain righteousness upon them.

Hosea’s prophecy in vv. 14-15 was fully fulfilled by Titus and his Roman army in A.D. 70.

This word indicates that Israel was in the night, in darkness. They were a people who were altogether lacking in righteousness and justice. They forsook God and they were evil to one another.