Peter Rufus
Series in Hosea: O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
The Beloved and the Betrayed
Hosea 2:2 - 23
15 March 2020
The relationship between Hosea and Gomer is symbolic of the relationship between Israel and Yahweh. In chapter two, we read of Israel's betrayal, and God's promise of restitution.
The charge against Israel was that of unfaithfulness. Israel was considering her prosperity as coming from sources other than God. Do we acknowledge that everything we have is from the Lord's hands? Often our trials are ordained by God to keep us from going further into sin, and make us turn back to dependence on God alone.
The rod of punishment came upon Israel because of their unfaithfulness. God removed their prosperity so that she would recognise God as provider. God will often turn the things we take pleasure in apart from him into pain and shame, so that we seek him again.
The restoration promise to Israel was made despite all of her unfaithfulness to God. Yahweh says he will reverse the place of sin to a place of hope. Where Israel deserved sin and punishment, God brought hope and love. Who can do this apart from God? Let us always seek to love God as much as he loves and cares for us.