6:1 he has struck us down and will bind us up The people seek Yahweh to save them from judgment (Hos 5:6), but their repentance is not genuine. They are simply motivated by self-preservation (v. 4). The phrasing is reminiscent of Job 5:18, which also focuses on disaster as judgment for sin.

6:2 He will revive us after two days; on the The Israelites perceive that judgment will last only for a short time.

6:4 like a morning cloud Illustrates that their love is not genuine; it is self-serving. As soon as trouble has passed, they will go back to their old habits.

6:5 by the words of my mouth Portrays Yahweh’s speech as power—an offensive weapon. Compare Jer 1:9–10; 5:14; see note on Isa 49:2.

judgment goes forth like the light The prophet is playing on the imagery of Hos 6:3, which indicates that Yahweh’s coming to save is as certain as the coming of the dawn. He indicates that the light comes, but in judgment.

6:6 steadfast love and not sacrifice This verse summarizes a central teaching of the ot prophets: Yahweh desires and values internal commitment and character transformation over external ritual observances (compare note on Lam 3:22).

knowledge of God Yahweh’s desire for the people to have knowledge of Him is a prominent theme in Hosea (Hos 2:20; 4:1, 6; 5:4; 6:3; 8:2). Knowledge is exemplified by having a right relationship with Yahweh, showing true faith, loyalty, and obedience. Those who know Yahweh emulate His behavior, which is characterized by steadfast love, justice, and righteousness (Jer 9:23–24).

burnt offerings See note on Isa 1:11.

6:7 like Adam, they transgressed the covenant The prophet compares Israel’s breaking faith with Yahweh to Adam’s failure to keep Yahweh’s single command in the garden of Eden (Gen 2:16–17; 3:17). Israel transgressed the Mosaic covenant (compare Hos 8:1), while Adam broke the relationship Yahweh had established in Gen 1–3.

6:8 Gilead A region on the eastern side of the Jordan River (see note on Jer 8:22), which was sometimes controlled by Israel but taken by Assyria in 733–732 bc (2 Kgs 15:29).

6:9 to Shechem A city in the hill country of Ephraim (see note on Hos 4:17). Abraham built an altar there (Gen 12:6–7), and it was one of the Levitical cities of refuge (Josh 20:7–9). Shechem also was the first capital of the northern kingdom of Israel (before Samaria; 1 Kgs 12:25; 16:24).

6:11 I restore the fortunes of my people See note on Jer 29:14.