Translations
Original
Notes
I will betroth you: This Hebrew verb, used three times in these verses, can be translated with the word betroth. In ancient times, betrothal included all the legal steps of marriage, like the groom paying a bride price. The only things missing were the marriage ceremony and sexual consummation. The Lord promised to betroth Israel to himself forever.
To ensure this eternal marriage, God provided a bride price with five priceless qualities:
Righteousness
Justice
Unfailing love
Compassion
Faithfulness
As a result, the Lord said, Israel will finally know me (compare Hosea 2:13).
Rebuke your mother, rebuke her: At first glance, the Lord, like an upset husband, seems to be giving a divorce to his unfaithful wife, Israel (see Deuteronomy 24:1). However, as the passage continues, it becomes clear that God’s goal in this lawsuit is not divorce, but reconciliation (Hosea 2:14–23).
God’s case against Israel aims to make Israel aware of her sin and offer her a chance to return to her true husband. The Lord’s desire for reconciliation with Israel is surprising because the law required the death penalty for an unfaithful spouse (Deuteronomy 22:22; see also Genesis 38:24; Leviticus 21:9).
This section describes a small part of the prophet's life, focusing on his troubled marriage. It highlights God's difficult relationship with Israel, his chosen people.
Biblical Marriage God’s Faithfulness to His People Marriage and Sexuality Retribution The Broken Covenant
Events
- Prophecies of Hoseac. 785 BC
Glossary
Bride of Christ Covenant Gomer Hosea, Book of Love Marriage, Marriage Customs Mercy People of God Ruhamah
Topics
Being Single God: Faithfulness of God: Love of, Exemplified Husband: Figurative Marriage: Figurative Marriage: God's Union with the Jewish Nation Marriage: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of Restoration