Shane & Shane - Hosea Lyrics
Lyrics
Come let us return
He has torn us into pieces
He has injured us
Come let us return to the Lord
He will heal us
He will bandage our wounds
In just a short time He'll restore us
In just a short time He'll restore His church
So we might live
We might live in His presence
In His presence
Oh that we might know the Lord
Oh that we might know the Lord
Oh that we might know the Lord
Let us press on to know Him
Let us press hard into Him
Then as surely as the coming of the dawn
He will respond
Video
Hosea
Meaning & Inspiration
"Hosea," released by Shane & Shane on May 23, 2002, as part of their album *Psalms*, stands as a powerful musical interpretation of an ancient prophetic call to repentance and restoration. The song masterfully distills the profound message found in the biblical book of Hosea, particularly drawing from Hosea 6:1-3, which urges a turning back to God after a period of spiritual wandering and discipline. It begins with a communal invitation, "Come let us return," acknowledging the pain and brokenness—"He has torn us into pieces, He has injured us"—which is a direct echo of Hosea 6:1, illustrating the consequences of drifting from divine covenant. Yet, this acknowledgment of God's disciplinary hand is immediately followed by a steadfast declaration of His character as healer: "He will heal us, He will bandage our wounds." This speaks volumes about the Father's heart, affirming that even His discipline is ultimately redemptive, aimed at drawing His people back into wholeness, much like a loving parent corrects a child (Hebrews 12:6-11).
The song then shifts from the recognition of injury to the promise of swift restoration, declaring, "In just a short time He'll restore us, In just a short time He'll restore His church." This mirrors Hosea 6:2, which prophetically states, "After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him." The transformation from a prophecy given to ancient Israel to an application for "His church" expands the timeless message, making it deeply relevant for believers today. It underscores the certainty of God's desire and ability to bring revival and renewal, not just to individuals but to the collective body of Christ. The ultimate aim of this restoration is profound intimacy: "So we might live, We might live in His presence." This aspiration for presence highlights that true restoration is not just about the removal of pain, but the re-establishment of a vibrant, living relationship with God, where fellowship is unbroken and abiding.
The heart of the song's message, and arguably its most potent call to action, emerges in the lines, "Oh that we might know the Lord, Let us press on to know Him, Let us press hard into Him." This passionate plea directly quotes Hosea 6:3, emphasizing the active, intentional, and persistent pursuit of God. To "know the Lord" in a biblical sense is far more than intellectual acquaintance; it signifies an experiential, covenantal relationship characterized by intimacy, obedience, and devotion (Jeremiah 9:24, John 17:3). It demands effort, a hunger that drives one to seek Him above all else, akin to what Jesus described as hungering and thirsting for righteousness (Matthew 5:6). This pressing on implies a journey, often requiring endurance through spiritual dryness or difficulty, but always with the assurance of God's unwavering faithfulness.
The song culminates with a powerful promise that fuels this diligent pursuit: "Then as surely as the coming of the dawn, He will respond." This imagery, drawn directly from Hosea 6:3, "His going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth," provides absolute certainty. Just as the sunrise is an undeniable and consistent daily occurrence, so too is God's responsiveness to those who genuinely seek Him. His "response" is not merely an answer to a prayer, but His active presence, His refreshing Spirit, and His life-giving truth that pours into the soul like rain on parched ground. This promise serves as a profound encouragement for anyone feeling distant from God or experiencing spiritual brokenness. It affirms that repentance, a return to Him, and a dedicated pursuit of His presence will invariably lead to His comforting, healing, and restoring embrace. "Hosea" by Shane & Shane ultimately delivers a timeless message of divine compassion, the transformative power of repentance, and the unwavering promise of God’s presence for those who earnestly seek Him.