Hosea and Gomer: A Living Lesson

Hosea was a prophet of the Lord who lived and worked in Israel—the northern kingdom, in the period of time when God’s people were divided into two kingdoms.

Israel was composed of ten tribes of the Hebrew people, who separated themselves from Judah and Simeon after the death of Kind Solomon (1 Kings 12). Their capital city was Samaria (1 Kings 16:23-24). The kings of Israel set up idols for the people to worship, so they would not go back to the Temple in Jerusalem, which was controlled by Judah (1 Kings 12:26-33). The kings of Israel did not rely upon God for protection, but made alliances with neighboring nations (Hosea 10:13). Because of Israel’s continued devotion to evil, God was going to punish the entire nation (Hosea 9:3).

It was Hosea’s job to warn the people of Israel about their impending doom, and to appeal to them to repent, before they would no longer be able to do so.

Hosea’s name means, “salvation” and that is the theme of his book. Even though the people of Israel did not deserve it, God was willing and eager to forgive them (Hosea 14:2-4). But, since they had earned it for themselves, God was also prepared to punish the people of Israel for their sins (Hosea 9:7; Romans 6:23). To explain his relationship with the Israelites, the Lord used Hosea’s marriage as a living lesson.

HOSEA AND GOMER GET MARRIED

The Lord told Hosea to marry a “daughter of the age,” which is generally understood to mean a woman who was typical of most women in Israel, at that time (Hosea 1:2). They added three children to their family: Jezreel, meaning “God Will Scatter,” was the first; Lo-ruhamah, meaning “No Mercy,” was the second; Lo-ammi, meaning “Not My People” was the third (Hosea 1:3-9).

It was not long, however, until Gomer violated her marriage vows and began to sell herself, as a prostitute (Hosea 2:2). Gomer’s betrayal of her husband’s love was just like Israel’s betrayal of God’s love. Just as Gomer sold herself, in prostitution, Israel had done the same by engaging in the worship of idols (Hosea 4:17). Gomer had committed adultery against her husband and Israel had committed spiritual adultery against the Lord.

As members of the Lord’s church, we are the bride of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:22-32).

We are in the same position as Israel was, in ancient times (Galatians 6:16). Just as God expected faithfulness from Israel, He expects faithfulness from us (Revelation 2:10). When we sin against God, we are guilty of spiritual adultery, just like Israel. Imagine how you would feel, if you found out that your spouse was unfaithful to you. That is how God feels, when we are unfaithful to Him!

One interesting aspect of the relationship between Hosea and Gomer is that, even while Gomer was being unfaithful to Hosea, he still provided for her needs (Hosea 2:8). In a twist of irony, Gomer did not know that it was her husband who was looking out for her, and she gave the credit to her lovers (Hosea 2:5).

In like manner, God had provided for Israel’s needs, even while Israel was being unfaithful to Him. Like Gomer, Israel did not perceive what God was doing, and gave credit to the false gods with which they had committed spiritual adultery (Hosea 10:1). Just as Hosea was angry with his wife’s continued unfaithfulness, so God was angry with Israel’s continued unfaithfulness (Hosea 2:9-13).

Think about all of the good things that God provides for us, in our lives.

Even though so many of us frequently stray away from the path of righteousness, the Lord still takes care of our basic needs (Matthew 6:24-34). It is no wonder, then, that the anger of the Lord is kindled against those who turn their backs upon Him (Romans 1:32).

The end of the story of Hosea and Gomer is a happy one. Gomer was unfaithful to Hosea for a very long time, but she eventually sunk so low, that her lovers put her up for sale (Hosea 3:2). But, Hosea loved Gomer and was willing to buy her back (Hosea 3:1). He would take his wife back home, but only if she would realize how much better off she was with him than with her lovers (Hosea 3:3).

Israel had reached a very low state in its spirituality (Hosea 4:6). Yet, God still loved Israel and was willing to forgive. Israel would have to go into a period of captivity, but when they learned that they are better off with God than with idols, they would be restored (Hosea 3:4,5).

No matter how low we may get in our own spirituality, God will never stop loving us (Hebrews 13:5).

When we realize that we are better off with God than without Him, the infinite mercy of the Lord shall provide us with a way of restoration (1 John 1:9).