"When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, "Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the Lord." So he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son." Hosea 1:2-3
During a time when the nation of Israel defiantly turned their back on God and gave into idolatry, God called Hosea to pursue an unusual prophetic role among His people. Hosea's job was to prophesy by both words and actions. Hosea was commanded by God to marry Gomer.
Gomer was believed to have been pure when she married Hosea, but she had a heart of harlotry. The life Hosea and Gomer shared was symbolic of the relationship between God and His people. Just as Gomer was unfaithful to her husband, Hosea, so are God's people unfaithful to Him. But thankfully our God is faithful; He does not cast us away when we abandon Him.
"And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one."
(2 Thess. 3:2-3)
Gomer conducted her harlotry in a shamefully immoral manner, causing agony for her husband and children because of her selfish behavior. Gomer sought her own enjoyment so irresponsibly that she ultimately wound up selling herself into prostitution from which she had to be redeemed by money.
God sent Hosea to buy her out of her bondage and as he paid the price for her and took her back to himself, God restored her as his wife. She received forgiveness from Hosea and from God and was granted a fresh start (new life) in their marriage.
All who love God is demonstrated through this prophetic story of Hosea and Gomer and their children.
God Himself paid the price to redeem His people, proving that the aim of His love is reconciliation, restoration and forgiveness.
"Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works." (Tit. 2:14)
I love you & He loves you more!
Lord, Thank You for the illustration so clearly set out for us in the life of Gomer. Before salvation I was a Gomer, lost and longing for salvation. Thank You for rescuing me, forgiving me and coming into my heart, making me a part of the family of God. I rejoice in my salvation! Amen.