◄ Hosea 3 ►
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Hosea Redeems His Wife (Zechariah 2:6–13) 1Then the LORD said to me, “Go show love to your wife again, though she is loved by anothera and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love to offer raisin cakes to idols.b” 2So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silverc and a homer and a lethech of barley.d 3Then I said to her, “You must live with me for many days; you must not be promiscuous or belong to another, and I will do the same for you.” 4For the Israelites must live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar, and without ephod or idol. 5Afterward, the people of Israel will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to His goodness in the last days. Footnotes: 1 a Or Go show love to a woman who is loved by another 1 b Literally and love raisin cakes 2 c 15 shekels is approximately 6 ounces or 171 grams of silver. 2 d Or a homer and a half of barley; that is, a total of approximately 9.36 bushels or 330 liters (probably about 436 pounds or 198 kilograms of barley); LXX a homer of barley and a wineskin full of wine Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Hosea 3 Summary Hosea Redeems His Wife Verses 1 – A Command to Love Again The LORD instructs Hosea to “Go again, love a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress,” mirroring God’s steadfast love for Israel even while they chase idols and “raisin cakes.” Verses 2 – A Costly Redemption Hosea purchases her freedom for “fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a lethek of barley,” paying a price that signals both value and sacrifice. Verses 3 – A Renewed Covenant Home Hosea tells her she will stay with him “many days” in purity; he too will remain faithful. The marriage becomes a living lesson in loyalty and patience. Verses 4 – A Purifying Exile Israel will endure “many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar,” a span of national pause—no throne, no temple service, no household idols. Verses 5 – A Trembling Return and Future King “Afterward they will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king,” approaching God’s goodness “in the last days.” Hope rises beyond exile toward a united, reverent people under a promised royal figure. Hosea 3, one of the most poignant chapters in the Old Testament, uses the symbolic and deeply personal account of the prophet Hosea and his wife Gomer to communicate a message of relentless divine love, forgiveness, and anticipated restoration. Despite Gomer's infidelity, Hosea is instructed to take her back, symbolizing God's unfailing love and patience towards the Israelites despite their repeated spiritual adultery. Historical Setting • Date: mid-eighth century BC, during the reigns of Jeroboam II and his unstable successors in the Northern Kingdom. • Moral climate: Prosperity bred corruption—idolatry, political intrigue, and social injustice (Hosea 4 – 7). • “Raisin cakes”: sweet offerings used in Canaanite fertility worship (cf. Jeremiah 7:18). Their mention spotlights Israel’s appetite for sensual religion. • Kings & priests: rapid turnovers (2 Kings 15) left the nation spiritually rootless, anticipating the “many days” without leadership. Prophetic Symbolism and Marriage Imagery • Gomer’s restoration foreshadows national restoration. • Hosea’s action is not mere metaphor; it is history with a prophetic purpose. • Marriage vocabulary parallels God’s covenant wording in Exodus 24 and Deuteronomy 5, showing that breaking covenant is spiritual adultery. The Redemption Price and Ancient Economics • “Fifteen shekels of silver” equals about six months’ wages for a laborer. • A “homer” ≈ 6 bushels; a “lethek” is half a homer. Barley was a lower-cost staple, hinting at poverty or negotiated terms. • Mixed payment (silver + grain) resembles contemporary bride-price contracts from 8th-century Assyrian records, underscoring authenticity. From Exile to Restoration: Timeline of Fulfillment 1. Assyrian conquest (722 BC): Northern tribes lose king, temple access, priesthood—exactly “without king or prince.” 2. Dispersion era: No legitimate sacrifice site, aligning with verse 4. 3. Return motif: Zechariah 10:6-10 foretells gathering; Hosea 3:5 crystallizes it. 4. First-century arrival of Jesus, the Son of David (Luke 1:32-33), opens the promised “last days.” 5. Final consummation: Acts 3:20-21 and Romans 11:26 look to a future national turning that Hosea anticipates. Messianic Hope: “David Their King” • Not a resurrection of historic David but a future ruler in David’s line. • Ezekiel 34:23 and Jeremiah 23:5 echo Hosea’s wording. • New Testament writers identify Jesus as that King (Matthew 1:1; Acts 15:15-17 quoting Amos 9). • “Trembling” portrays awe and repentance rather than fear (cf. Psalm 2:11). Connections to Other Scriptures • Exodus 34:6-7 — God’s self-description of loyal love, mirrored in Hosea’s costly act. • Isaiah 54:5-8 — Israel called “wife forsaken,” later reclaimed. • 1 Peter 2:9-10 — Once “not My people,” now God’s people, lifting Hosea 1:10; 2:23 into church experience. • Revelation 19:7-9 — The marriage supper of the Lamb, ultimate picture of covenant reunion. Archaeological Insights • Samaria ostraca list barley payments similar in size to Hosea’s price, anchoring the scene in daily commerce. • Figurines of Asherah and Baal found in 8th-century strata match the “sacred pillar” and household idols of verse 4. • Assyrian annals show vassal kings stripped of power, reflecting “without king or prince.” Language Notes • “Go again, love” (Hebrew: ‘ahav) implies continuous, active affection, not mere duty. • “Adulteress” (na’aph) signals ongoing behavior; Hosea is told to love before she reforms. • “Live with me for many days” carries the idea of sheltered waiting, akin to engagement. Structure and Literary Features 1. Command (v. 1) 2. Obedience and purchase (v. 2) 3. Covenant terms (v. 3) 4. Prophetic interpretation (vv. 4-5) This tight structure packs a world of theology into only five verses. Practical Lessons Today • God’s love reaches into our worst failures; He pays the price before we change. • Discipline (the “many days”) is protective, not punitive only. • Hope is anchored in a real King who will rule in righteousness; personal and national futures hinge on Him. • True worship dismisses substitutes—modern “raisins” might be career, comfort, or culture. Summary Thought Hosea 3 is a postcard from God’s heart: relentless love, costly rescue, patient waiting, and a certain future with the true Son of David. Connections to Additional Scriptures John 3:16 Reflects God's love and the ultimate act of redemption through Jesus Christ. Romans 5:8 Demonstrates God's love for us while we were still sinners. 1 John 4:19 Encourages us to love because He first loved us. Isaiah 54:5 Speaks of God as the Redeemer and Husband to His people. Teaching Points God's Command to Love Hosea 3:1 states, Then the LORD said to me, 'Go, show love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.' This command highlights God's call for Hosea to mirror His own love for Israel, demonstrating love and forgiveness despite betrayal. Redemption and Restoration In Hosea 3:2, Hosea redeems Gomer, saying, So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a lethek of barley. This act of redemption symbolizes God's willingness to pay the price to restore His people, foreshadowing the ultimate redemption through Christ. A Period of Waiting and Purification Hosea 3:3-4 describes a time of waiting and purification, Then I told her, 'You are to live with me many days; you must not be a prostitute or be intimate with any man, and I will behave the same way toward you.' For the Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred stones, without ephod or idol. This period signifies a time of purification and preparation for a renewed relationship with God. Promise of Future Restoration Hosea 3:5 offers hope, Afterward, the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to His goodness in the last days. This points to a future restoration and the coming of the Messiah, who will reign as the true King. Practical Applications Reflect on God's Unconditional Love Consider how God's love for us remains steadfast, even when we are unfaithful. How can we mirror this love in our relationships? Embrace Redemption Just as Hosea redeemed Gomer, recognize that Christ has redeemed us. Live in the freedom and gratitude of that redemption. Prepare for Restoration Use times of waiting as opportunities for spiritual growth and purification, drawing closer to God. Seek the Lord Actively seek a deeper relationship with God, knowing that He desires to restore and bless us. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The LORD is the one who commands Hosea to go and love a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress. This reflects God's enduring love for the Israelites despite their unfaithfulness. The Hebrew name used here is "YHWH," which is the tetragrammaton representing the divine name of God. 2. Hosea Hosea is the prophet who is instructed by the LORD to demonstrate God's love for Israel through his own actions. He is a central figure in the book, representing God's message and actions towards His people. 3. The Woman (Gomer) Although not named in this chapter, the woman is understood to be Gomer, Hosea's wife, who is described as an adulteress. Hosea is commanded to love her again, symbolizing God's love for Israel despite their infidelity. The Hebrew term used for "woman" is "אִשָּׁה" (ishah), which can mean wife or woman. Places Hosea 3 in the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically mention any geographical places by name. The chapter focuses on the symbolic relationship between Hosea and his wife, representing God's relationship with Israel. Therefore, there are no specific places to list from this chapter. The narrative is more thematic and symbolic rather than geographical. Events 1. God's Command to Hosea The chapter begins with the LORD instructing Hosea to "Go, show love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress" (Hosea 3:1). This command reflects God's enduring love for Israel despite their unfaithfulness, symbolized by Hosea's relationship with his wife. 2. Hosea's Purchase of Gomer Hosea obeys God's command and redeems his wife by purchasing her for "fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a lethek of barley" (Hosea 3:2). This act of redemption symbolizes God's willingness to reclaim Israel despite their spiritual adultery. 3. Hosea's Conditions for Gomer Hosea sets conditions for Gomer, saying, "You must dwell with me for many days; you must not be promiscuous or belong to any other man, and I will behave the same way toward you" (Hosea 3:3). This reflects the covenant relationship God desires with Israel, requiring faithfulness and exclusivity. 4. Prophetic Symbolism of Israel's Future The chapter transitions to a prophetic message about Israel's future, stating, "For the Israelites must live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar, and without ephod or idol" (Hosea 3:4). This period of deprivation symbolizes Israel's exile and the absence of traditional religious and political structures. 5. Promise of Restoration Finally, Hosea prophesies a future restoration, declaring, "Afterward, the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to His goodness in the last days" (Hosea 3:5). This points to a time of repentance and renewal, with a messianic expectation linked to the "Davidic" king, interpreted by Christians as a reference to Jesus Christ. Lessons from Hosea 3 1. Unfailing Love and Redemption In Hosea 3, we witness a profound demonstration of unfailing love and redemption. God instructs Hosea to love his wife, Gomer, again, despite her unfaithfulness. This mirrors God's unwavering love for His people, even when they stray. As Hosea 3:1 states, "Go, show love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress." This teaches us that true love is not conditional but steadfast, reflecting God's eternal commitment to us. 2. The Cost of Redemption Hosea's act of buying back Gomer illustrates the cost of redemption. In Hosea 3:2, Hosea says, "So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a lethek of barley." This transaction symbolizes the price God was willing to pay for our salvation through Jesus Christ. It reminds us that redemption is costly, but God deemed us worth the price. 3. A Call to Faithfulness Hosea's relationship with Gomer is a call to faithfulness. Just as Hosea was called to remain faithful to Gomer, we are called to remain faithful to God. Hosea 3:3 emphasizes this commitment: "You must dwell with me for many days; you must not be a prostitute or belong to any other man." Our relationship with God requires loyalty and dedication, reflecting His faithfulness to us. 4. The Power of Forgiveness Forgiveness is a powerful theme in Hosea 3. Despite Gomer's betrayal, Hosea forgives her, embodying the forgiveness God offers us. This chapter encourages us to forgive others as we have been forgiven, fostering healing and reconciliation in our relationships. 5. Hope for Restoration Hosea 3 offers hope for restoration. God promises to restore His people, just as Hosea restores his relationship with Gomer. Hosea 3:5 declares, "Afterward, the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king." This assurance of restoration inspires us to trust in God's plan for renewal and healing in our lives. 6. The Importance of Obedience Hosea's obedience to God's command to love Gomer again highlights the importance of obedience in our walk with God. Even when it seems difficult, obeying God's instructions leads to blessings and fulfillment. Hosea's example encourages us to trust and follow God's guidance, knowing He has our best interests at heart. 7. God's Unchanging Nature Hosea 3 reveals God's unchanging nature. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God's love remains constant. This chapter reassures us that God's character is steadfast, and His promises are reliable. We can find comfort in knowing that God's love and mercy are unchanging, regardless of our circumstances. 8. The Role of Sacrifice The sacrificial act of Hosea buying back Gomer points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Hosea 3:4 foreshadows this: "For the Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred stones." This reminds us of the significance of Christ's sacrifice, which brings us into a restored relationship with God. 9. The Pursuit of God Hosea's pursuit of Gomer reflects God's pursuit of us. Even when we wander, God seeks us out, longing for us to return to Him. This chapter encourages us to respond to God's pursuit by seeking Him wholeheartedly, knowing that He desires a deep and meaningful relationship with us. 10. The Promise of a Future Finally, Hosea 3 offers a promise of a future filled with hope and blessing. Hosea 3:5 concludes with the assurance that "they will come trembling to the LORD and to His goodness in the last days." This promise reminds us that, despite present challenges, God has a glorious future planned for those who trust in Him. Let this hope inspire you to live with purpose and anticipation of God's goodness. Topics 1. God's Command to Love an Adulterous Woman In Hosea 3:1, God instructs Hosea to "Go, show love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress." This command reflects God's enduring love for Israel despite their unfaithfulness. The Hebrew word for "love" here is "ahav," which conveys a deep, unconditional love, mirroring God's covenantal love for His people. 2. Symbolism of Redemption Hosea 3:2 describes Hosea purchasing his wife for "fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a lethek of barley." This act symbolizes redemption and restoration. The Hebrew term "keseph" (silver) often signifies redemption in the Old Testament, pointing to the costliness of restoring a broken relationship. 3. Call to Faithfulness and Purity In verse 3, Hosea tells his wife, "You must dwell with me for many days; you must not be a prostitute or belong to any other man." This call to faithfulness and purity is a metaphor for Israel's need to return to God and abandon idolatry. The Hebrew word "zanah" (prostitute) underscores the spiritual adultery of Israel. 4. Israel's Period of Waiting Hosea 3:4 speaks of a time when "the Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar, and without ephod or idol." This period signifies a time of waiting and purification for Israel, devoid of political and religious structures. The absence of "ephod" and "teraphim" (idols) highlights the need for spiritual renewal. 5. Promise of Restoration and Seeking the Lord The chapter concludes in verse 5 with a promise that "afterward the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king." This prophecy points to a future restoration and a renewed relationship with God. The Hebrew root "shuv" (return) emphasizes repentance and a heartfelt turning back to God, while "David their king" foreshadows the Messianic hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Themes 1. Redemption and Restoration Hosea 3:1 speaks of the Lord's command to Hosea to "Go, show love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress." This theme highlights God's redemptive love and His willingness to restore relationships despite unfaithfulness. The Hebrew word for "love" here, "ahav," emphasizes a deep, covenantal love that mirrors God's love for Israel. 2. Unconditional Love The theme of unconditional love is evident as Hosea is instructed to love his wife as "the LORD loves the Israelites" (Hosea 3:1). This reflects the steadfast, unwavering love of God, which is not based on the worthiness of the recipient but on His own character. 3. Covenant Faithfulness Hosea's actions symbolize God's covenant faithfulness to Israel, despite their spiritual adultery. The narrative in Hosea 3:2, where Hosea buys his wife back, underscores the cost and commitment involved in maintaining a covenant relationship. 4. Repentance and Consequences Hosea 3:4 describes a period where "the Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred stones, without ephod or idol." This theme addresses the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness and the need for repentance, as they experience a time of deprivation and reflection. 5. Hope and Future Restoration The chapter concludes with a message of hope in Hosea 3:5: "Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king." This theme points to a future restoration and renewal, where Israel will return to God and experience His blessings once more. The reference to "David their king" is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for God's Love Thank God for His unwavering love and faithfulness, even when we fall short. Repentance and Restoration Pray for forgiveness and a heart open to God's restoration and healing. Strength to Love Others Ask for the strength to love others as God loves us, with grace and forgiveness. Hope for the Future Pray for hope and anticipation of God's promises and future restoration in our lives and communities. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can we reconcile the command in Hosea 3:1 for a prophet to marry a prostitute with moral standards presented elsewhere in Scripture? 2. Is there any historical or archaeological evidence indicating that Hosea’s marriage to Gomer, as described in Hosea 3, actually took place? 3. Could the events of Hosea 3 be purely symbolic or allegorical, and if so, what would that imply about their historical reliability? 4. How do we explain God’s choice to use a seemingly immoral relationship in Hosea 3 as a lesson to Israel, rather than a more straightforward example of righteousness? 5. Given the cultural norms of Hosea’s time, is it plausible that a prophet would buy back and restore an adulterous wife as portrayed in Hosea 3? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the story of Hosea and Gomer illustrate God's relationship with the Israelites, and by extension, humanity? 2. How does the theme of redemption in Hosea's marriage to Gomer apply to modern life? 3. In what ways can you identify with Gomer? In what ways with Hosea? 4. How does Hosea 3:1 reflect the depth of God's love? 5. Why did Hosea choose to buy back Gomer despite her infidelity? 6. In what ways can we see the reflection of Jesus' sacrifice in Hosea's act of buying back Gomer? 7. How does the prophecy about Israel's isolation and eventual return to God relate to the concept of spiritual wilderness? 8. In the context of Hosea 3:4-5, how does isolation lead to growth and restoration? 9. How does this chapter relate to the concept of God's covenant with His people? 10. How does the message of Hosea 3 encourage you during times of spiritual struggle? 11. How can we apply the principles found in Hosea 3 to heal relationships in our own lives? 12. How does the story of Hosea and Gomer challenge our understanding of forgiveness? 13. How does the promise of Israel's return to God in Hosea 3 give hope to us today? 14. In your personal life, have you ever experienced a period of spiritual 'isolation' like the Israelites did? What brought you back? 15. In what ways can our society relate to the 'spiritual adultery' of the Israelites? 16. How does Hosea's obedience to God's command inspire you in your daily walk with God? 17. How can the concept of 'redemption at a price' found in Hosea 3 help us understand the gravity of Christ's sacrifice? 18. How does Hosea 3 reveal God's heart towards His unfaithful people? 19. What are some practical ways you can show 'Hosea-like' love and forgiveness to others? 20. How can we use the message of Hosea 3 to guide our own relationship with God, especially during times of spiritual waywardness? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions