Hosea was a prophet during the time of the kings when the kingdom was divided into Israel and Judah. He prophesied to near the time of destruction of Jerusalem and the exile. He must have led a sad life as a man because of his marriage to a prostitute (at the Lord's bidding) named Gomer.
The story of his marriage is symbolic of Israel's relationship to Jehovah, in that the Lord was "betrothed" to Israel, but Israel prostituted herself to Baal and idol worship and entertained and supported numerous evil kings. Thus, the Lord had Hosea marry Gomer knowing she was a prostitute or would become a prostitute and be unfaithful to Hosea.
Like Jehovah God, Hosea redeemed Gomer to live faithfully with him for the rest of their time together. Chapter 2 (with a recapitulation in chapter 3) describes the process by which Hosea redeemed Gomer. This types the three steps of redemption all Christian believers go through. First, in 2:14 we read, "But I will win her back once again, I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there." Chapter 3:1 states, "The Lord said to me, 'Go and love your wife again, even though she commits adultery with another lover.'" These two verses speak of justification and election. In spite of our sinful condition and nature, the Lord calls us to be His. He choses to love and redeem us.
Secondly, in 2:17 we read, "I will wipe the many names of Baal from your lips, and you will never mention them again." And in 3:3, "You must live in my house for many days and stop your prostitution. During this time you will not have sexual relations with anyone." This is sanctification, the Lord cleaning up our lives. Our desire to serve other Gods is removed from us. We no longer engage in adulterous relationships with the world.
Then in 2:19 we read, "I will make you my wife forever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion." This is representative of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Lord fully takes us as His own. We are His forever.
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