What happensPermalink
God commands Hosea to love an adulterous woman despite her unfaithfulness, just as the Lord loves Israel despite its idolatry. Hosea buys her and requires a period of sexual faithfulness and abstinence. Likewise, Israel will spend many days without king or prince, sacrifice or pillar, ephod or household gods. Afterward, the Israelites will return and seek the Lord and David their king.
Why it mattersPermalink
Hosea’s costly love again embodies God’s astonishing love for unfaithful Israel. Israel’s coming deprivation will remove its entire political and religious order, including both corrupt practices and legitimate institutions. This isolation becomes a means of restoration: stripped of what has displaced God, Israel will return to Him. For the rebellious northern kingdom, restoration also requires returning to Davidic rule, anticipating the biblical hope of a restored Davidic king.
Key versePermalink
Afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek the Lord their God, and David their king, and they shall come in fear to the Lord and to his goodness in the latter days.