The Symbol of an Unfaithful Wife
August 18, 2021
Commentary
“The word of the Lord that came” indicates that this prophecy is not Hosea’s (v. l). It is a prophecy that originated with God Himself. In dealing with the words of this prophecy a person is not dealing with the words of man, but rather with the very words of God. Hosea was a spokesman for the Lord in perilous times. Murder, idolatry, and immorality were rampant in the land, and nobody seemed to be interested in hearing the Word of the Lord. Although God asks us to do our part, we should remember the He is not limited to human effort. He can accomplish all his purposes without any help from us if He so chooses. We do not have the ability of fulfill or the power to disrupt God’s plans.
The opening chapter sets forth the major themes of the entire prophecy, Israel’s unfaithfulness, the certainty of judgement, and the ultimate restoration of the nation. At the beginning of Hosea’s ministry, the Lord instructed him to marry a woman who would be unfaithful (v. 2). Although Bible scholars disagree on this it seems that Gomer was not an adulterous woman when Hosea married her, but God was letting Hosea know that she would later turn to adultery and prostitution. At any rate Hosea knew ahead of time that his wife would be unfaithful and that their married life would be an object lesson of Israel’s unfaithfulness. Just as Gomer sinned, so did Israel sin. Just as Hosea loves Gomer and will restore her despite her sin, so God loves Israel and will restore her despite her sin. Hosea is certainly an Old Testament illustration of a servant of God who presented himself completely to God (Romans 12:1-2).
Application
God may ask me to do something difficult and extraordinary. If He does, I need to be willing to obey Him and trust Him to fulfill His special purpose in and through my life. An example of this is that I was an introvert and afraid to speak before others, but God showed me that I could.
Hosea 1:1– 11 (NET)
1 This is the Lord’s message that came to Hosea son of Beeri during the time of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the time of Jeroboam son of Joash, king of Israel.
2 When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, he said to him, “Go marry a prostitute who will bear illegitimate children conceived through prostitution, because the nation continually commits spiritual prostitution by turning away from the Lord.” 3 So Hosea married Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim. Then she conceived and gave birth to a son for him. 4 Then the Lord said to Hosea, “Name him ‘Jezreel,’ because in a little while I will punish the dynasty of Jehu on account of the bloodshed in the valley of Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. 5 At that time, I will destroy the military power of Israel in the valley of Jezreel.”
6 She conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. Then the Lord said to him, “Name her ‘No Pity’ (Lo-Ruhamah) because I will no longer have pity on the nation of Israel. For I will certainly not forgive their guilt. 7 But I will have pity on the nation of Judah. I will deliver them by the Lord their God; I will not deliver them by the warrior’s bow, by sword, by military victory, by chariot horses, or by chariots.”
8 When she had weaned “No Pity” (Lo-Ruhamah), she conceived again and gave birth to another son. 9 Then the Lord said: “Name him ‘Not My People’ (Lo-Ammi), because you are not my people and I am not your God.”
10 (2:1) However, in the future the number of the people of Israel will be like the sand of the sea that can be neither measured nor numbered. Although it was said to them, “You are not my people,” it will be said to them, “You are children of the living God!” 11 Then the people of Judah and the people of Israel will be gathered together. They will appoint for themselves one leader, and will flourish in the land. Certainly, the day of Jezreel will be great!