This isn't just about peace with animals; it's a reversal of the curse where all of creation rejoices and is put back in its proper, harmonious order under God's reign. The promise to abolish "the bow, the sword, and war" isn't merely an end to human conflict, but a declaration that the very tools and concepts of violence will be removed from the land, allowing for profound, restful safety.
And I will make for them a covenant on that day with the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the creeping things of the ground. And I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land, and I will make you lie down in safety.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After God has detailed Israel's unfaithfulness and the resulting judgment, He turns to speak of future restoration and renewal. This verse describes a time when God will establish a profound peace, not only eliminating human conflict by removing weapons of war but also restoring harmony between humanity and the natural world, allowing people to rest securely.
Imagine a world where even the wildest creatures pose no threat, where the natural world works with you, not against you. Hosea paints a picture of this incredible restoration.
In this verse, God promises a radical reversal of the broken relationship between humanity and the animal kingdom. Because of sin, the earth and its creatures often work against us (as noted in the commentaries, like animals destroying crops or posing a danger). But God declares He will make a covenant – a solemn agreement – with the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the creeping things. This means they will no longer be a source of fear or destruction for His people.
A Glimpse of Paradise Regained
This speaks to a perfect peace and restored order. It’s a return to the harmony that existed before the fall, where all of creation was subject to and in harmony with humanity, fulfilling its intended purpose. This is a powerful picture of God’s ultimate plan to heal all that sin has broken.
War, weapons, and constant battle – these have plagued humanity since the fall. But God declares a definitive end to this cycle of violence.
Hosea’s prophecy doesn't just address our relationship with nature; it speaks directly to the devastating reality of human conflict. God says, 'I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land.' This isn't just a temporary ceasefire; it’s a complete removal of the instruments and the very concept of warfare.
Peace Through Divine Intervention
Ask a follow-up
This promise points to a future where God Himself intervenes to bring about lasting peace. It’s not just about humans deciding to stop fighting; it’s about God actively dismantling the means and the motive for war. This ultimate peace is a hallmark of God’s reign, where 'nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore' (Isaiah 2:4).
What does true safety feel like? It’s more than just the absence of danger; it’s a profound sense of peace rooted in God’s presence.
The ultimate outcome of God’s covenant with creation and His abolition of war is a state of perfect security. The verse concludes, 'and I will make you lie down in safety.' This isn't just about physical safety from external threats. It’s about a deep, abiding peace that allows one to rest without fear.
The Assurance of Divine Care
This promise is rooted in the fact that God Himself is the source and guarantor of this safety. It means living with confidence, knowing that God’s protection is absolute. It’s a peace that calms the soul, allowing for true rest, even amidst potential earthly uncertainties. This security comes from knowing we are held by the One who has brought harmony to creation and ended all conflict.
Understand the original words
berit · Hebrew Noun
A formal, solemn, and binding agreement or treaty established by God with humanity. It is rooted in God’s grace and defines the terms of His relationship with His people, promising divine favor and demanding covenant loyalty.
Hosea's prophecy, delivered during a time of outward prosperity masking deep sin, offers a vision of ultimate restoration. The promise of a covenant with wild animals and the abolition of war points to a future, perfect peace under God's reign, far beyond the immediate political turmoil Israel faced.
c. 786-746 BC— this verse
Reign of Jeroboam II
Hosea prophesied during the latter part of Jeroboam II's reign, a period of significant territorial expansion and outward prosperity for Israel. However, this era was also marked by deep moral and spiritual decay, with rampant idolatry and social injustice.
c. 745 BC
Rise of Tiglath-Pileser III
The emergence of this powerful Assyrian king marked the beginning of a new era of aggressive imperial expansion that would soon engulf the region, creating immense pressure and threat for Israel and Judah.
c. 734-732 BC
Syro-Ephraimite War
Damascus and Israel (under Pekah) attempted to force Judah (under Ahaz) into an anti-Assyrian coalition. Ahaz's appeal to Assyria for help led to the Assyrian invasion of northern Israel.
c. 732 BC
Fall of Damascus
Tiglath-Pileser III conquered Damascus, the capital of Syria, significantly weakening the region and bringing northern Israel under direct Assyrian influence and tribute.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Exile
The northern kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians under Shalmaneser V, leading to the deportation of its population and the end of the independent kingdom. This event is a direct consequence of the spiritual and political failures Hosea addressed.
This passage vividly describes a future time of peace where predators live harmoniously with their prey, directly mirroring the idea in Hosea of a covenant with wild animals and the abolition of danger.
Ezekiel 34:25This verse speaks of a new covenant where God's people will dwell securely, free from the ravages of wild beasts, echoing Hosea's promise of safety from the natural world.
Jeremiah 23:5-6This prophecy foretells the coming of a righteous king who will bring peace and security to the land, aligning with Hosea's promise of abolishing war and making people lie down in safety.
Luke 10:19Jesus gives His disciples authority over 'serpents and scorpions, and all the power of the enemy,' which speaks to a spiritual overcoming of dangerous forces, a fulfillment of the promise of safety found in Hosea.
Revelation 21:4This future vision describes a new heaven and new earth where there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain, representing the ultimate fulfillment of the peace and safety promised in Hosea.
ellicottHosea 2:18: "And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely."
(18) Make a covenant . . .—There shall be harmony without corresponding to the moral harmony within. The brute creation shall change from hostility to man. (Comp. Hosea 2:12 ; so also Isaiah 11:6-9 .) Wars with foreign foe…
barnesHosea 2:18: "And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely."
And in that day - o: "Truly and properly is the time of the Incarnation of the Only-Begotten called "the Day," wherein darkness was dispelled in the world, and the mist dispersed, and bright rays shed into the minds of bel…
This isn't just about peace with animals; it's a reversal of the curse where all of creation rejoices and is put back in its proper, harmonious order under God's reign. The promise to abolish "the bow, the sword, and war" isn't merely an end to human conflict, but a declaration that the very tools and concepts of violence will be removed from the land, allowing for profound, restful safety.
After God has detailed Israel's unfaithfulness and the resulting judgment, He turns to speak of future restoration and renewal. This verse describes a time when God will establish a profound peace, not only eliminating human conflict by removing weapons of war but also restoring harmony between humanity and the natural world, allowing people to rest securely.
After God has detailed Israel's unfaithfulness and the resulting judgment, He turns to speak of future restoration and renewal. This verse describes a time when God will establish a profound peace, not only eliminating human conflict by removing weapons of war but also restoring harmony between humanity and the natural world, allowing people to rest securely.
"And I will make for them a covenant on that day with the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the creeping things of the ground. And I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land, and I will make you lie down in sa…" — This isn't just about peace with animals; it's a reversal of the curse where all of creation rejoices and is put back in its proper, harmonious order under God's reign. The promise to abolish "the bo…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
