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 exhortation 'Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD' emphasizes progressive knowledge through devoted pursuit. The Hebrew 'follow on' (נִרְדְּפָה, nirdepah) means to pursue eagerly, chase after—active, intentional seeking rather than passive waiting. 'To know' (לָדַעַת, lada'at) signifies intimate, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual information. This is covenant knowledge—personal relationship, not abstract theology. The verse continues with beautiful imagery: '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.' God's self-revelation is certain as sunrise—predictable, inevitable, life-giving. Morning (שַׁחַר, shachar) speaks of new beginnings, fresh mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23). The rain metaphor references Israel's agricultural dependence on seasonal rains—the 'former rain' (יוֹרֶה, yoreh) in autumn softened ground for planting; the 'latter rain' (מַלְקוֹשׁ, malkosh) in spring brought crops to harvest. Both were essential for survival in Palestine's climate. God's presence is similarly essential and reliable for spiritual life and fruitfulness. This verse teaches that knowing God deepens through persistent pursuit—spiritual growth isn't passive but requires disciplined seeking. Jesus embodies this promise—the 'Sun of righteousness' rising 'with healing in his wings' (Malachi 4:2) and the one who pours out the Spirit like rain (Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:17-18). True Christianity isn't merely initial conversion but lifelong pursuit of deeper Christ-knowledge (Philippians 3:10).
Historical Context
This verse appears in a passage urging Israel's repentance (Hosea 6:1-3), yet God's response questions the genuineness of their contrition (6:4-6). The context is crucial: Israel's repentance was superficial, motivated by desire to escape judgment rather than grief over sin. Their 'goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew' (6:4)—quickly vanishing rather than permanent. This exposes the danger of shallow repentance focused on benefits rather than relationship. The promise that God comes 'as the rain' would have resonated powerfully in an agrarian society utterly dependent on rainfall. Unlike Baal, whom Canaanites believed controlled weather and fertility, Yahweh actually governs nature and provides for His people. The 'former and latter rain' pattern was unique to Israel's climate—two rainy seasons separated by dry months. This agricultural dependence created a natural parable for spiritual dependence on God. The historical tragedy is that Israel abandoned the true Provider for impotent idols. Within decades, Assyria would conquer and exile them (722 BC), demonstrating that forsaking God leads to destruction. Yet God's promise remains—those who genuinely seek Him will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).
Questions for Reflection
How does your pursuit of knowing God differ from merely seeking His benefits or avoiding His discipline?
What spiritual disciplines help you 'follow on to know the LORD' more deeply?
In what ways is God's faithfulness as certain and regular as sunrise in your experience?
Analysis & Commentary
The exhortation 'Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD' emphasizes progressive knowledge through devoted pursuit. The Hebrew 'follow on' (נִרְדְּפָה, nirdepah) means to pursue eagerly, chase after—active, intentional seeking rather than passive waiting. 'To know' (לָדַעַת, lada'at) signifies intimate, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual information. This is covenant knowledge—personal relationship, not abstract theology. The verse continues with beautiful imagery: '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.' God's self-revelation is certain as sunrise—predictable, inevitable, life-giving. Morning (שַׁחַר, shachar) speaks of new beginnings, fresh mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23). The rain metaphor references Israel's agricultural dependence on seasonal rains—the 'former rain' (יוֹרֶה, yoreh) in autumn softened ground for planting; the 'latter rain' (מַלְקוֹשׁ, malkosh) in spring brought crops to harvest. Both were essential for survival in Palestine's climate. God's presence is similarly essential and reliable for spiritual life and fruitfulness. This verse teaches that knowing God deepens through persistent pursuit—spiritual growth isn't passive but requires disciplined seeking. Jesus embodies this promise—the 'Sun of righteousness' rising 'with healing in his wings' (Malachi 4:2) and the one who pours out the Spirit like rain (Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:17-18). True Christianity isn't merely initial conversion but lifelong pursuit of deeper Christ-knowledge (Philippians 3:10).