In the book of Hosea, the Lord asked the prophet Hosea to do something odd. He told Hosea to go and marry an unfaithful woman. Hosea 1:2 says, “When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, “Go, take to yourself an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the Lord.”” The first time I read this verse, I did a double take to make sure I read it correctly. Why would God ask a prophet to do such a thing? To marry a woman who would not honor her marriage vows and turn to other men?

A few chapters later, we see that Gomer (Hosea’s wife) has left her faithful husband to be with another man. Hosea 3:1 “The Lord said to me, “Go, show your 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.” What a wonderful verse this is because it shows the loving, gracious and merciful heart of God. God asked Hosea to love an unfaithful woman, as a parallel to show how He loves His children, even though we have a heart that loves to go astray. So often, we say we love God more than anything or anyone; but just like Gomer, our actions show otherwise. This makes us idolaters.

Did Hosea have reason to divorce Gomer? Absolutely! Does God have reason to abandon us when we run to false idols? Definitely, but praise God for His faithfulness and amazing grace! When we make a mistake and truly repent before God, God takes us back and restores the relationship, just as he told Hosea to do. As you read through the book of Hosea and think about this wonderful account, let that motivate us all to praise God for his grace and mercy and draw closer to Him in deeper intimacy.

Reflection Questions

1. What are idols that you tend to run toward? (If you have a hard time thinking of some, think about it this way: what do you turn to for comfort, pleasure, security or happiness, other than God?)
2. Why do you think our human hearts are so prone to wander if we already know that God is faithful and true?
3. How can we show God our commitment and appreciation for His great love toward us?

Reference Scriptures

Hosea 1:2

Hosea 3:1

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