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Hosea 3:1-3

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

1. Then said the LORD unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of [her] friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine. 2. So I bought her to me for fifteen [pieces] of silver, and [for] an homer of barley, and an half homer of barley: 3. And I said unto her, Thou shalt abide for me many days; thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not be for [another] man: so [will] I also [be] for thee.

Hosea 3:1-3 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Hosea 3:1

Theological / Devotional

Go yet. Or, “go again.” This refers to the command of ch. 1:2 (see on ch. 1:2).

A woman. Though not specifically stated here, the reference is undoubtedly to Hosea’s former wife. Only by regarding the narrative in this light does the experience become an effective illustration of God’s love for wayward Israel and His willingness to renew His covenant with her.

Beloved of her friend. By a slight change in the traditional Hebrew vowels (see Vol. I, pp. 25, 26), the LXX has obtained a translation of the clause which reads, “love a woman that loves evil things.” The translation “friend” may refer either to her lawful husband or to one of her lovers.

Flagons of wine. Heb. ’ashishe ‘anabim, “a raisin-cake,” made of dried, compressed grapes. These delicacies are here condemned probably because of their connection with the worship of false gods.

By SdaBc