Hosea, 3
4. For the children of Israel shall dwell many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or pillar, without ephod or teraphim.
4. For the children of Israel shall dwell many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or pillar, without ephod or teraphim.
Hosea Chapter 3 deals with the reconciliation between God and Israel after Israel's infidelity led to its destruction and dispersion. The prophet is instructed to love an adulterous woman and bring her back home as a symbol of God's love for Israel and her willingness to forgive and bring the people back to the covenant. Below are five Bible verses related to the topics addressed in Hosea 3:
Isaiah 54:7-8: "For a brief moment I left you, but with great mercies I will collect you; with a little anger I hid my face of you for a moment; but with eternal kindness I will go to you, says the Lord, Your Redeemer. " This verse speaks of God's mercy and compassion on his people, even when he hides his face for a while. This is similar to what happened in Hosea, where God hid his face from Israel, but was willing to bring him back.
Jeremiah 3:22: "Return, rebellious children, I will heal your rebellions. Here we have seen you, because you are the Lord our God." This verse shows God's willingness to heal his people's rebellions and bring him back to him. This is similar to what happened in Hosea, where God was willing to forgive and bring back the people of Israel.
Ezekiel 36:25-26: "Then I will sprinkle pure water upon you, and you will be cleansed; of all your filthy and all your idols I will purify you. I will take from your flesh the heart of stone, and give you a heart of flesh. " This verse speaks of the purification and transformation of God's people when he gives them a new heart and a new spirit. This is similar to what happened in Hosea, where God was willing to forgive and bring back the people of Israel.
Isaiah 54:5: "For your Creator is your husband; the Lord of hosts is His name; and the Holy of Israel is thy Redeemer; which is called the God of all the earth." This verse portrays God as husband and redeemer of his people, which is similar to the history of Hosea, who was instructed by God to marry an unfaithful woman as a representation of his love for Israel.
Joel 2:13: and tear your heart, and not your garments, and convert to the Lord your God; for He is merciful and compassionate, late and great in kindness, and repent of evil. " This verse speaks of the need for true repentance and returning to the Lord. This is similar to what happened in Hosea, where the people of Israel needed to repent and return to God.
“É sempre necessário ir para a frente, nunca para trás, na vida espiritual. O barco que pára em vez de ir adiante é empurrado para trás pelo vento.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
