Hosea Bible Study Notes Chapter 3

6/29/2012

Hosea 3

-The LORD instructs Hosea to go back “again” and love this woman of harlotry (adultery, forsaking) as a loving and dedicated husband “even as the LORD loves the sons of Israel (Hosea 3:1).” Even though they had turned to other gods and loved their own raisin cakes (a reference to their selfish nature, for more explanation see http://thinkhebrew.wordpress.com/2010/08/03/haggah-on-some-raisin-cakes/) God had the heart to buy them back and instructed Hosea to illustrate that by his actions. *Application* This purchase of God for our redemption comes through Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior (Acts 20:28, Revelation 5:9).

“What a wonderful maker
What a wonderful savior
How majestic your whispers
And how humble your love
With a strength like no other
And the heart of a father
How majestic your whispers
What a wonderful God”

(From Wonderful Maker, Jeremy Camp- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OrzWb4xhwI)

-Some prophecy is revealed now in verse four. The sons of Israel would go many days without king or prince (referring to their exile and the time of the Gentiles, Luke 21:24), sacrifice or sacred pillar, ephod, or household idol. This refers to the idolatrous practices being carried out by Israel in false worship to false gods making a mockery of the One-True Living God. Because of their disobedience there would be many days of isolation and dispersion from their True Husband spiritually speaking. *Application* This is exactly what we have seen from the children of Israel even to this day. Paul speaks of this in Romans 9-11. Focus on Romans 11:25. There has been a hardening of the Jewish mind, but the LORD will return to them and heal all their distress.

-This is why the LORD through Hosea can say “afterward” as He begins verse five of this amazing little chapter. There is important language of returning and seeking the LORD and David their king (this is an obvious reference in a deeper sense to the Messiah, Jesus). The prophet says that they will come trembling to the LORD and His goodness in the last days. *Application* God is always faithful and paints the eschatology of what will transpire in the end of this age on earth. His people will eventually find Him and His goodness again. What a wonderful day that will be when they recognize their LORD with fear and trembling (Zechariah 12:10). Our benefit as Gentiles is that God has opened up His great salvation for us. This has always been His plan and He extends the opportunity for even us to turn to Him for salvation. We have been grafted in (Romans 11)!

Verse to Memorize: Hosea 3:5