Reconciliation
In this chapter we see Hosea is directed by God to reconcile with his unfaithful wife, to "go show her love again." He buys her out of slavery and then for "many days" she is punished by not being allowed to be intimate with any man. In the same way, Hosea prophesies that God will reconcile with the unfaithful Israel but there will be "many days" of punishment where Israel must remain pure. This chapter reminds me that there are always consequences to our actions even though we are forgiven by a loving God. As it turned out, "many years" ended up being thousands of years for the Israelites. This chapter has a great ending though. After the time of punishment, God would send his only son, the Messiah, the King of kings from the line of David. Then Israel will turn and seek their God and come trembling to Him and his blessings.
Created almost 4 years ago
