The Imagery of Love in the Book of Hosea (Hosea 3:1-5): A Word Study

Abstract

The book of Hosea presents sincere devotion and commitment to the Lord. The prophet’s message was mostly warnings, but there is a note of hope in the form of sincere repentance and asking for God's forgiveness, followed by a renewed commitment to the Lord. The people of Israel may find forgiveness and restoration to God’s favour and blessings. The prophet Hosea was instructed by God to symbolically prophesy to the Israelites about their disobedience to His call, and they would be punished if they did not return to the Lord their God. The prophecy is aptly represented in the marriage of Hosea to an adulterous woman, Gomer. God, represented by Hosea, had a covenant with Israel, but the latter turned him over to other gods. God foretold the punishment that would befall Israel, as well as the mercy that would befall them if they repented and returned to him through Hosea. The prophet’s message speaks of God’s steadfast love, portrayed through the suffering husband of an unfaithful wife. Hosea’s message is also considered a warning to them, and they will turn their backs on God’s love. Through the symbolic presentation of the marriage of Hosea and Gomer, God’s love for the idolatrous nation of Israel is displayed in a rich metaphor. This essay explains how the message of Hosea is relevant in the present context.