Here’s how the study works: Read the chapters mentioned in the heading during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for several chapters creates the opportunity to revisit them and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
v.2 When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the Lord.”
The symbolism suggests that initially Gomer was faithful to Hosea but later became unfaithful. A “promiscuous woman” is most likely a prophetic statement.
(From Constable’s Commentary) Israel became unfaithful to Yahweh after previous faithfulness; Israel was not unfaithful when Yahweh married her (at Sinai). She was a brand new bride freshly redeemed out of Egyptian slavery (cf. Jer. 2:2-3).
v.2 When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the Lord.”
The symbolism suggests that initially Gomer was faithful to Hosea but later became unfaithful. A “promiscuous woman” is most likely a prophetic statement.
(From Constable’s Commentary) Israel became unfaithful to Yahweh after previous faithfulness; Israel was not unfaithful when Yahweh married her (at Sinai). She was a brand new bride freshly redeemed out of Egyptian slavery (cf. Jer. 2:2-3).
It is really is quite outrageous to be told to marry someone who you know is going to be unfaithful. It underlines the lengthens God goes to, not only does he tell his people but also shows his people his heart towards them.
It is really is quite outrageous to be told to marry someone who you know is going to be unfaithful. It underlines the lengthens God goes to, not only does he tell his people but also shows his people his heart towards them.
2:7 She will chase after her lovers but not catch them; she will look for them but not find them. Then she will say, ‘I will go back to my husband as at first, for then I was better off than now.’
God’s heart for his people is amazing. God will frustrate people’s attempts at fulfilment in order to bring them to himself. Then, despite their appalling attitude, when they decide to come back, God accepts them.
2:7 She will chase after her lovers but not catch them; she will look for them but not find them. Then she will say, ‘I will go back to my husband as at first, for then I was better off than now.’
God’s heart for his people is amazing. God will frustrate people’s attempts at fulfilment in order to bring them to himself. Then, despite their appalling attitude, when they decide to come back, God accepts them.
3:2 So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and about a homer and a lethek of barley.
Gomer was already Hosea’s through marriage but now she is his again because he purchased her. Likewise we are twice God’s. Once because he made us and twice when we are born again.
3:2 So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and about a homer and a lethek of barley.
Gomer was already Hosea’s through marriage but now she is his again because he purchased her. Likewise we are twice God’s. Once because he made us and twice when we are born again.
4:13 They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oak, poplar and terebinth, where the shade is pleasant.
The phrase, “where the shade is pleasant,” gives away their motive. They want worship to be comfortable and convenient.
4:13 They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oak, poplar and terebinth, where the shade is pleasant.
The phrase, “where the shade is pleasant,” gives away their motive. They want worship to be comfortable and convenient.
5:15 …and seek my face—in their misery they will earnestly seek me.”
Even if God has to allow misery, it is worth it if they will earnestly seek him. Some people have to hit rock bottom before they will turn to God.
5:15 …and seek my face—in their misery they will earnestly seek me.”
Even if God has to allow misery, it is worth it if they will earnestly seek him. Some people have to hit rock bottom before they will turn to God.