Hosea 1:3

So Hosea went and married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.

Study Bible

So Hosea went and married Gomer
Hosea's obedience to God's command to marry Gomer is a profound act of faith. This marriage symbolizes God's relationship with Israel, where Hosea represents God and Gomer represents Israel. The name "Gomer" may suggest "completion" or "consummation," indicating the fullness of Israel's unfaithfulness. This act of marrying a woman of questionable reputation serves as a living parable of God's enduring love and commitment to His people despite their infidelity.

daughter of Diblaim
The mention of Gomer's father, Diblaim, is unique and not much is known about him. The name "Diblaim" could be related to the Hebrew word for "fig cakes," which might imply sweetness or indulgence, possibly hinting at the indulgent lifestyle that led to Gomer's reputation. This detail emphasizes the personal and familial nature of the narrative, grounding the prophetic message in real human relationships.

and she conceived and bore him a son
The birth of a son to Hosea and Gomer is significant as it marks the beginning of a series of symbolic acts through their children. Each child's name is a prophetic message to Israel. The conception and birth underscore the reality of the marriage and the tangible consequences of Israel's spiritual adultery. This son, named Jezreel, symbolizes the impending judgment on the house of Jehu and the nation of Israel, drawing a parallel to the historical events at the Valley of Jezreel, a site of bloodshed and divine retribution.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hosea
A prophet called by God to deliver His message to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His life and marriage serve as a living parable of God's relationship with Israel.

2. Gomer
The wife of Hosea, described as the daughter of Diblaim. Her unfaithfulness symbolizes Israel's spiritual adultery against God.

3. Diblaim
The father of Gomer. Little is known about him, but his mention roots Gomer in a specific family line, emphasizing the reality of Hosea's situation.

4. Marriage of Hosea and Gomer
This event is a symbolic act commanded by God to illustrate Israel's unfaithfulness and God's enduring love and commitment.

5. Birth of a Son
The birth of Hosea and Gomer's son represents the beginning of the prophetic message through Hosea's family life, with each child symbolizing a specific aspect of God's message to Israel.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Marriage
Hosea's marriage to Gomer is a powerful symbol of God's covenant relationship with His people. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains committed to His covenant.

God's Unfailing Love
Just as Hosea is called to love Gomer despite her unfaithfulness, God loves us unconditionally. This challenges us to reflect on our own faithfulness to God.

The Reality of Sin
Gomer's unfaithfulness is a stark reminder of the reality and consequences of sin. It calls us to examine areas in our lives where we may be straying from God.

Repentance and Restoration
The account of Hosea and Gomer ultimately points to the possibility of repentance and restoration. God desires to restore His relationship with us when we turn back to Him.

Living Parables
Hosea's life demonstrates how God can use our personal experiences as a testimony to others. We are called to live lives that reflect God's message to the world.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Hosea's marriage to Gomer illustrate the relationship between God and Israel? What does this teach us about God's view of covenant relationships?

2. In what ways can we see ourselves in the account of Gomer's unfaithfulness? How can we guard against spiritual adultery in our own lives?

3. How does the concept of God's unfailing love in Hosea 1:3 connect with the New Testament teachings on grace and forgiveness?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate God's love and faithfulness in our relationships, following Hosea's example?

5. How can the account of Hosea and Gomer encourage us to seek restoration in our relationship with God and others? What steps can we take towards repentance and reconciliation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 54
This chapter speaks of God's enduring love for Israel despite their unfaithfulness, similar to the message conveyed through Hosea's marriage.

Jeremiah 3
Jeremiah also uses the metaphor of marriage to describe Israel's unfaithfulness and God's call for repentance.

Ephesians 5
Paul discusses the sanctity of marriage, which can be contrasted with the broken relationship between God and Israel depicted in Hosea.