Hosea 1:3

So Hosea went and married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.

Study Bible

So he went and married Gomer
The phrase "So he went and married Gomer" marks a significant and symbolic act of obedience by the prophet Hosea. The Hebrew verb for "went" (וַיֵּלֶךְ, vayelech) implies a deliberate action, indicating Hosea's compliance with God's command despite the personal and social challenges it posed. The act of marrying Gomer, whose name means "completion" or "consumption," is symbolic of Israel's spiritual state. Gomer's character and actions are reflective of Israel's unfaithfulness to God, as she is described as a "promiscuous woman." This marriage serves as a living parable, illustrating the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where Israel has been unfaithful, yet God remains committed.

daughter of Diblaim
The mention of "daughter of Diblaim" provides a genealogical context, which is often used in the Bible to establish identity and heritage. Diblaim, meaning "fig cakes" or "clusters of figs," could symbolize abundance or sweetness, contrasting with Gomer's actions. This juxtaposition may highlight the disparity between Gomer's potential and her choices, much like Israel's potential as God's chosen people versus their idolatrous actions. The historical context suggests that names and lineage were significant in understanding one's role and destiny, further emphasizing the prophetic nature of Hosea's marriage.

and she conceived and bore him a son
The phrase "and she conceived and bore him a son" signifies the beginning of the fulfillment of God's message through Hosea's family life. The act of conception and birth is not only literal but also metaphorical, representing the fruit of Israel's unfaithfulness. The son, later named Jezreel, symbolizes God's impending judgment on the house of Jehu and the kingdom of Israel. In the Hebrew tradition, names are deeply significant, often reflecting divine messages or prophetic insights. This birth marks the start of a series of symbolic acts and names that convey God's displeasure with Israel's spiritual adultery and His call for repentance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hosea
A prophet called by God to deliver His message to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His life and marriage serve as a living parable of God's relationship with Israel.

2. Gomer
The wife of Hosea, described as the daughter of Diblaim. Her unfaithfulness symbolizes Israel's spiritual adultery against God.

3. Diblaim
The father of Gomer. Little is known about him, but his mention roots Gomer in a specific family line, emphasizing the reality of Hosea's situation.

4. Marriage of Hosea and Gomer
This event is a symbolic act commanded by God to illustrate Israel's unfaithfulness and God's enduring love and commitment.

5. Birth of a Son
The birth of Hosea and Gomer's son represents the beginning of the prophetic message through Hosea's family life, with each child symbolizing a specific aspect of God's message to Israel.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Marriage
Hosea's marriage to Gomer is a powerful symbol of God's covenant relationship with His people. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains committed to His covenant.

God's Unfailing Love
Just as Hosea is called to love Gomer despite her unfaithfulness, God loves us unconditionally. This challenges us to reflect on our own faithfulness to God.

The Reality of Sin
Gomer's unfaithfulness is a stark reminder of the reality and consequences of sin. It calls us to examine areas in our lives where we may be straying from God.

Repentance and Restoration
The account of Hosea and Gomer ultimately points to the possibility of repentance and restoration. God desires to restore His relationship with us when we turn back to Him.

Living Parables
Hosea's life demonstrates how God can use our personal experiences as a testimony to others. We are called to live lives that reflect God's message to the world.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Hosea's marriage to Gomer illustrate the relationship between God and Israel? What does this teach us about God's view of covenant relationships?

2. In what ways can we see ourselves in the account of Gomer's unfaithfulness? How can we guard against spiritual adultery in our own lives?

3. How does the concept of God's unfailing love in Hosea 1:3 connect with the New Testament teachings on grace and forgiveness?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate God's love and faithfulness in our relationships, following Hosea's example?

5. How can the account of Hosea and Gomer encourage us to seek restoration in our relationship with God and others? What steps can we take towards repentance and reconciliation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 54
This chapter speaks of God's enduring love for Israel despite their unfaithfulness, similar to the message conveyed through Hosea's marriage.

Jeremiah 3
Jeremiah also uses the metaphor of marriage to describe Israel's unfaithfulness and God's call for repentance.

Ephesians 5
Paul discusses the sanctity of marriage, which can be contrasted with the broken relationship between God and Israel depicted in Hosea.