Hosea 2
Israel Punished and Restored (2:1–23)
1 In the first chapter, Hosea’s marriage to the “adulterous” Gomer has been described. The names of her three children–“Scattered,” “Not loved,” and “Not my people”—are meant to show the Israelites the judgment that is about to come upon them because of their own spiritual adultery, their unfaithfulness to God. Thus Gomer, the adulterous wife, represents Israel; her three children represent the people of Israel. And the loving and faithful Hosea represents God.
But after a time of punishment, God will reverse the judgment symbolized by the three names of Gomer’s children. Instead of being “scattered,” the Israelites will be “sown” like fresh seed (Hosea 1:11). Instead of being called “Not my people,” they will be called “My people.” Instead of being called “Not my loved one,” they will be called “My loved one” (see verse 23).
Such is the setting for the book of Hosea; through Hosea’s wife and children, the whole history of Israel is set forth—past, present and future. The future, of course, is still to come; God’s gracious purpose for Israel will be fully realized when Jesus comes again.
2–13 In the remainder of the chapter the scene changes. Hosea’s wife Gomer has become unfaithful and has run after other lovers. But here, in these verses, the Lord (through Hosea) addresses the Israelites themselves: “Rebuke your mother . . . for she is not my wife” (verse 2). The “mother” is Israel; because of her adultery, the Lord can no longer call her His “wife.” Thus the physical relationship between Hosea and Gomer corresponds to the spiritual relationship between God and Israel.
Then the Lord goes on to describe Israel’s spiritual adultery. The terms here are metaphorical. The lovers that Israel goes after are the gods and idols of pagan nations—in particular, Baal,5 the chief god of the Canaanites (verse 8). But God, ever loving, is determined to frustrate Israel’s wicked passions: “She will chase after her lovers but not catch them” (verse 7). When she reaches a point of despair, she will then go back to God, her husband.
One reason Israel was so quick to go after other gods was that she did not recognize the true source of her blessings—namely, Yahweh, her Lord. All the gifts the Lord had given her she thought had come from Baal; she even used God’s silver and gold to make images of Baal (verse 8).
“Therefore,” says the Lord (verse 9), “I will punish Israel.” And in verses 9–13, the Lord describes Israel’s punishment. Even her celebrations—all the festivals and appointed feasts which were prescribed by the LAW of MOSES—will be stopped (verse 11).
14–20 Here the purpose of God’s punishment is revealed; its purpose is not to destroy but to deliver, not to drive away but to draw back. God is going to allure Israel—draw her back to Himself. And He will start by leading her into the desert (verse 14)—into the “wilderness of Sinai,” where Israel first became a nation, where she was first “betrothed” to God. God will give her a new chance, a new start.6
In these verses, God describes Israel’s new start, Israel’s restoration.7 The Valley of Achor—a place of trouble for the Israelites when they first entered Canaan (Joshua 7:24–26)—will become a place of hope (verse 15). Israel will call God “my husband”; no longer will Israel call Him “my master”—that is, Baal8 (verse 16). Not only will Israel be reconciled with her “husband” but the whole land will lie at peace. God will make a covenant with all the wild creatures in order to keep them at peace (verse 18); He will abolish war from the land (see Isaiah 2:4; 11:6–9). This will happen in the Messianic kingdom at the close of history. Then the reconciliation between God and Israel will remain forever; it will be based on righteousness, justice, love and faithfulness (verses 1920)—both on the part of God and on the part of Israel.
21–23 “In that day I will respond,” says the Lord (verse 21). He will “respond” because Israel has responded to God’s punishment; Israel has returned to Him. Therefore, God will “respond” to the skies asking for rain to water the earth; the skies will “respond” by sending the rain (verse 21). The earth will respond by bringing forth grain, wine and oil; and these in turn will nurture— “respond to”—Jezreel (all Israel), which God has “planted” sown9—in the land (verses 22–23).
Then God will call Israel “My loved one” and “My people,” and the curse symbolized by the names of Gomer’s children will be reversed. Once more the covenant between God and Israel will be established: they will be God’s people and He will be their God (see Exodus 6:7; Leviticus 26:12).
