2:18a

On that day: This is the same phrase that was used in 2:16a, and it refers to the same future time. For that reason, some versions do not repeat it here but leave it implied. That is an acceptable option as long as it is clear that the time period is the same.

I will make a covenant for them: The word covenant is an important theological word that is used many times in the book of Hosea. Usually it refers to an agreement between God and people. Here it refers to an agreement that the LORD made with the animals for the benefit of the Israelites. If your key term for covenant does not allow this use, you may need to use a different term. For example:

I will make an agreement (NCV)

I shall make a treaty (NJB)

I will cause…to agree

for them: In this context, the Hebrew word that most versions translate as for means “for the benefit of” or “on behalf of.”Hubbard (page 86), McComiskey (page 44), Macintosh (page 81), and Davies (page 83). For example:

on Israel’s behalf (REB)

Some versions leave the phrase for them implied. Most of these versions use other phrases to clarify the kind of benefits that Israel will enjoy. For example:

I will make a covenant with all the wild animals and birds, so that they will not harm my people. (GNT)

them: Here in 2:18a, the pronoun them refers to the Israelites. The GNT uses the phrase “my people.” The CEV continues to use “you.”

with the beasts of the field and the birds of the air and the creatures that crawl on the ground: In this context, these three phrases represent all animals that could cause harm to people or crops.Hubbard (page 85) and Stuart. The same three phrases occur in Genesis 1:30, although the context is different. See how you translated the same phrases there.

the beasts of the field: This phrase refers to untamed animals that are often dangerous to people.Andersen and Freedman (page 281).

Here is another way to translate this phrase:

the wild animals (NJB)

the birds of the air: This phrase refers to flying creatures. In English, the words of the air are redundant, because the word birds includes this idea. So some English versions leave the words of the air implied. For example:

the birds (GW)

the creatures that crawl on the ground: This phrase refers to small animals, including reptiles.Ibid. Also, Hubbard (page 85) and Macintosh (page 82). In English, the category “wild animals” can include small animals. That is perhaps why some English versions, as the GNT, leave this phrase implied.

In other languages, it may be necessary to use two categories to express the meaning of this phrase. For example:

crawling things and slithering things

Use categories that are natural in your language for describing the same kinds of living creatures. You may need to use more or less than three categories.

2:18b

And I will abolish bow and sword and weapons of war in the land: This clause expresses an additional promise from the LORD. It is not related to the covenant with the animals in 2:18a. In some languages, it may be necessary to clarify that this is a separate promise. For example:

I will also remove… (GNT)

abolish: In Hebrew, this word is literally “break.” It means “to break” the weapons in order to end warfare.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

remove (GNT)

destroy (GW)

bow and sword and weapons of war: The bow and the sword were the two main weapons of war during the time of Hosea. Here these weapons are used as a figure of speech (synecdoche) that represents all weapons of war. The phrase weapons of war then summarizes and extends the figure to mean “warfare” or “battle” (NIV, ESV, RSV)

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

weapons of war (CEV)

all weapons of war from the land, all swords and bows (GNT)

the bow, the sword, and war from the land (ESV)

2:18c

and: The Hebrew conjunction waw that the BSB translates as and can have many different functions. Most English versions translate it here as and. But in this context, it probably introduces the purpose or intended result of the LORD’s previous actions.McComiskey (page 44) and Macintosh (page 82). The purpose/result is that the people of Israel can live in safety.

This conjunction probably refers back to two actions: making the covenant (2:18a) and abolishing war (2:18b). Use a natural way in your language to introduce the purpose or intended result of the LORD’s previous actions.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

so that (NIV)

The result will be that (T4T)

them lie down in safety: This statement tells what happens after the LORD makes the covenant with the animals and abolishes war. To lie down in safety means to sleep without fear of danger. It is a figure of speech that represents a safe life, not only safe sleep. In some languages, it may be clearer to translate this meaning directly and not keep the figure of speech. For example:

and will let my people live in peace and safety (GNT)

so people can live safely (GW)

so that they will have no cause to fear