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Hosea, 3

1. Yahweh said to me, 'Go again, love a woman who loves another man, an adulteress, and love her as Yahweh loves the Israelites although they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes.'

1. Then said the LORD unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of [her] friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine.

2. So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver, a homer of barley and a skin of wine,

2. So I bought her to me for fifteen [pieces] of silver, and [for] an homer of barley, and an half homer of barley:

3. and I said to her, 'You will have to spend a long time waiting for me without playing the whore and without giving yourself to any man, and I will behave in the same way towards you.'

3. And I said unto her, Thou shalt abide for me many days; thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not be for [another] man: so [will] I also [be] for thee.

4. For the Israelites will have to spend a long time without king or leader, without sacrifice or sacred pillar, without ephod or domestic images;

4. For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and [without] teraphim:

5. but after that, the Israel- ites will return and again seek Yahweh their God and David their king, and turn trembling to Yahweh for his bounty in the final days.

5. Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.



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Footnotes:

3:1-5 - After Gomer's betrayal, Hosea receives divine instruction to rescue his wife, illustrating God's mercy and forgiveness for Israel. This act symbolizes God's unconditional love, which always seeks reconciliation with His people (see also Luke 15:11-32 and Romans 5:8).

3:4-5 - Hosea prophesies that Israel will live for many days without a king and without sacrifice, but will eventually return to the Lord, seeking Him with humility and repentance. The promise of Israel's restoration is tied to sincere repentance and the acknowledgment of God as the only Lord (see also Jeremiah 3:12-15 and Acts 3:19).

Verses related to Hosea, 3:

Hosea chapter 3 takes up the prophet's personal narrative. How does Hosea's reconciliation with Gomer reflect God's love? This brief but powerful text describes the divine command for Hosea to rescue his unfaithful wife, symbolizing God's redeeming love for Israel. The chapter emphasizes themes such as unconditional love, redemption, and future restoration. Hosea 3 offers a vivid illustration of divine grace in action. Examine with us five biblical passages that correlate with the crucial themes of this moving chapter.

1 Corinthians 6:20: "You were bought with a high price. Therefore, glorify God with your bodies." - Paul uses the idea of being "bought," similar to Hosea's action in buying his wife back in Hosea 3.

1 Peter 1:18-19: "For you know that it was not with perishable things like silver or gold that you were redeemed from your empty way of life [...], but by the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without blemish." - Peter uses the idea of redemption, echoing Hosea's action in redeeming his wife in Hosea 3.

Jeremiah 3:14: "Return, ye rebellious children, declares the Lord, "for I am lord over you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion."" - Jeremiah uses the idea of God calling his people back, similar to Hosea's action in Hosea 3.

Luke 15:11-32: "Jesus continued: 'A man had two sons. The youngest said to his father: 'Father, I want my share of the inheritance'. So he divided his property among them. [...]" - The parable of the prodigal son echoes themes from Hosea 3, such as unfaithfulness, repentance, and restoration.

Revelation 5:9: "And they sang a new song: 'You are worthy to receive the book and to open its seals, for you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.'" - This passage uses the idea of being "bought" by God, similar to Hosea's action in buying back his wife in Hosea 3.

FAQ:

What does God's command to Hosea to buy back Gomer mean?

God commands Hosea to buy back Gomer, his unfaithful wife, symbolizing the love and restoration God offers Israel despite her unfaithfulness. (Hosea 3:1-3)

What is the main message of Hosea 3 for Israel?

The message is that Israel must return to the Lord, abandoning idolatry, and awaiting the future restoration where God will be recognized as King. (Hosea 3:4-5)


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