Bible Question:
Can you explain why God commissions Hosea to marry a prostitute to parralel the whoredom of Israel in forsaking the Lord (Hosea 1:2) but then, (still speaking to Hosea), says "...for you are not my people and I am not your God?" (Hosea 1:8-9) It seems as if Hosea and his family have been punished at least as a byproduct if not a direct result of 1) Hosea's sinful family and/or 2) Hosea following the Lord's marital instructions earlier in the book. More confusing to me still, is when the Lord has a great turnaround and welcomes them back into the fold again (Hosea 1:10). Why all the back-and-forth? |
Bible Answer: An in-depth study of the book of Hosea is a great way to study the scriptures. There is an excellent study by Precept on the book of Hosea. You can google precept ministries international and purchase the precept upon precept study along with other study aids. Hosea is a wonderful book showing the faithfulness of God. He loves the nation of Israel as a father loves his child. The NASB inductive study bible is available at this website. It is excellent. It is always best to do your own inductive study before going to commentaries. Understanding commentaries is also important. A list of commentaries is found at preceptaustin and shows the interpretative approach taken by the author which helps clear up the confusion regarding the different points of view. May God bless you. Val |