Hosea 2:1-23
Q.1. How had Israel displayed her unfaithfulness? How would God deal with this infidelity? What sort of a ‘husband’ had God been to His people? – (Hos.2:1-13)
Israel had turned to other gods and had trusted in the surrounding nations for their protection rather than God. Therefore, God would place ‘a hedge of thorns’ to prevent them from finding the true path. He would blight their efforts to bring in a good harvest of grain, wine, and oil. God’s hope was that the nation would recognize that they had been so much better off when they worshipped the Lord God (Hos.2:7). The nation and their children would be exposed and judged for their unfaithfulness.
Q.2. What staggering prophecy was Hosea given for Israel and the nations? What does this reveal about the heart of God for sinners? – (Hos.2:14-23 c.f. Rom.11:25-27)
God would have been fully justified to reject His people. However, His plans for his children are both generous and unexpected (Hos.2:14-16 c.f. Rom.11:25-27). The prophet foretold of a day when God will restore the wayward nation. The Lord promised – 19 “I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, in lovingkindness and in compassion, 20 and I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the Lord (Hos.2:19-20). God will visit His people with the ancient promises to bless the land (Hos.2:21-23 c.f. Dt.7:12-14). Beyond that, the Lord will extend His blessing even to those not part of that original Covenant –… I will also have compassion on her who had not obtained compassion, and I will say to those who were not My people, You are My people!’ And they will say,You are my God!’ (Hos.2:23 c.f. 1 Pet.2:9-10).