Hosea 2:2—3:5: Married to the Lord?
DO YOU REMEMBER the adage "Sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me?" Children know better. They will tell you that words can hurt. Imagine how a wife of many years would react to hearing "You are not my wife, and I am not your husband." In Hosea 2:2 the Lord's words to Israel have much the same meaning.
Warming Up to God
In what ways has your unfaithfulness been a source of pain for God?
Read Hosea 2:2—3:5. »
Discovering the Word
- How does Israel demonstrate that she is not God's wife (2:2-13)?
- Chapter 2 is organized by four "threats" (vv. 3, 6, 9, 14), each beginning with otherwise or therefore. What sets the fourth "threat" apart from the other three?
- After all the unfaithfulness (2:2-13), how can God do what is described in 2:14-23?
- Baal is a name for a false god and is translated "lord," "husband" or "master." In 2:16-17 Hosea tells the people to stop calling God "Baal" and to call him "my husband" instead. What significance do you see in that name change?
- What are the characteristics of a good "marriage" to God (2:18-23)?
- God has Hosea take back his unfaithful wife in chapter 3. How does Hosea's action mirror God's actions toward Israel?
Applying the Word
- Israel gave credit for her provisions of necessities and luxuries to other gods instead of to the Lord (2:2-13). Who do you give credit to?
- How is God calling you and your community to the desert (2:14-23)?
- We live in the "already" of being the bride of Christ, but we look forward to the "not yet" of perfect peace to come. Imagine what it will be like. How does that picture change your perspective on today?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to forgive you for your unfaithfulness and help you to know him as a God who makes you his bride.
For Further Study
Hosea by David Allan Hubbard