A Picture of The Divine Lover

Hosea 2:14–23
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Gomer broke Hosea’s heart but because if it she made it possible for him to give the world a picture of the “divine lover.” He promised His love in the repeated “I will” statements to the Jewish people.

1. “I will allure“ (v. 14). God doesn’t try to force His people to love Him but woos them as a lover woos his beloved and seeks her hand in marriage.
2. “I will give“ (v. 15). The Lord changes the meaning of a name, “the Valley of Achor” (trouble) to “a door of hope” through which Israel would enter into a new life.
3. “I will take away“ (vv. 16-17). God declares an end to idolatry among His people and that the divine marriage relationship will be restored.
4. “I will make a covenant“ (v. 18). The reconciliation between Israel and God will extend to the animal kingdom which has been hostile to man since the fall.
5. “I will betroth“ (vv. 19-20). Among the wedding gifts will be everything that Israel has lacked during her years of separation from her Husband, Jehovah God.
6. “I will hear“ (vv. 21-22). These two verses describe a conversation in which the Lord speaks to the heavens and the earth as they respond to each other and bring blessing to God’s people.
7. “I will have mercy“ (v. 23). The image is that of God sowing His people the way a farmer sows seed. He says “thou art my people” and they respond, “thou art my God.”

Application

Hosea had to pay to get Gomer back but he loved her so much he was willing to do that.  Because od Christ’s love for me He was willing to buy me back with the price He paid on the cross. Because of His great love for me I need to share His love with others around me.