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Hosea 3

5 verses

TL;DR

God instructs Hosea to love an unfaithful woman as a symbol of Israel’s unfaithfulness, Hosea purchases her, vows fidelity, and prophesies Israel’s future return and worship.

Summary

The LORD commands Hosea to love a woman who is beloved by her friend yet unfaithful, symbolizing Israel’s idolatry. Hosea buys her with silver and barley, demonstrating divine provision and commitment. He promises her fidelity and instructs her to refrain from unfaithfulness, mirroring God’s covenant with Israel. The passage forecasts a time when the children of Israel will lack king, prince, sacrifice, image, ephod, and teraphim, signifying spiritual desolation. It concludes with a hopeful vision: Israel will return, seek the LORD and King David, and in the latter days fear the LORD and His goodness.

Outline
  1. God instructs Hosea to love an adulterous woman as a symbol of Israel’s unfaithfulness
  2. Hosea purchases the woman and vows mutual fidelity
  3. Prophecy of Israel’s desolation and future restoration
Themes
covenant fidelitydivine love for the unfaithfulnational unfaithfulness and idolatryhopeful restoration
Keywords
covenantfaithfulnessidolatryrestorationloveIsrael
People
Hoseathe LORDthe children of Israel
Places
Israel (general)
Things
lovesilverbarleycovenant fidelitykingprincesacrificeimageephodteraphim
Key Verses
  • Hosea 3:1: God’s direct command illustrating divine love beyond human fidelity
  • Hosea 3:3: Hosea’s covenant promise mirrors the divine covenant with Israel
  • Hosea 3:5: Vision of Israel’s restoration and reverence for God and David
Questions
  • How does God’s command to love an adulterous woman reflect His love for Israel?
  • What does the covenant promise in verses 2–3 symbolize about God’s relationship with His people?
  • In what ways does the prophecy of Israel’s desolation and restoration in verse 5 inform contemporary faith practice?
Sentiment

mixed
The passage contains both lament for Israel’s unfaithfulness and hopeful restoration.