Hosea 2:15

Vineyards. The wilderness would be transformed into a place of vineyards (see on Hosea 2:12; Isa. 35:1).

Valley of Achor. Literally, “valley of trouble,” doubtless a reference to the events that followed the sin of Achan (see on Joshua 6:18; 7:24). When Achan’s thievery was discovered and its curse removed from the camp, the defeat of Ai was changed into signal victory. In the disconsolate camp of Israel, despair gave way to the sure hope that the Promised Land would soon be possessed. So for Israel’s comfort now, Hosea assures the people that Israel’s affliction will open to them in the future the “door of hope,” the door of restoration from captivity. Likewise the troubles of life that come to us, if accepted and patiently endured in the right spirit of humility and abiding faith in God, are but the “doors of hope” opening to us larger possessions of soul power (2 Cor. 4:17; 7:9-11).

Sing. Heb. ‘anah. This word has four different basic meanings: (1) “to answer,” “to reply”; (2) “to be downcast,” “to be afflicted”; (3) “to be occupied”; (4) “to sing,” “to howl [of animals].” The RSV has “answer.” As ancient Israel “in the days of her youth,” when she passed through the Red Sea, sang the triumphant song of Moses (see Ex. 15), so again would Israel sing of her deliverance. “Answer” carries the thought that Israel thankfully acknowledges God’s tokens of love and now intends to do God’s will.