Who gave the promises recorded in Hosea, and to whom?
The promises recorded in Hosea were given by God to the nation of Israel. They were delivered through the prophets. These are promises God gave to the nation through the prophets. Hosea 6:1 calls Israel to return to the Lord, for He has torn and will heal, He has smitten and will bind up.
Les explains that the promises in Hosea are promises God has given to the nation through the prophets. In Hosea 6:1, the language of God tearing and smiting Israel refers to His chastisement and discipline upon them. Yet the verse ends with the promise that He will heal and bind them up, indicating restoration. This fits the broader context where God repeatedly promised Israel a king and a kingdom, even though they rejected and crucified the Messiah, and He will return.
Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.