Then the LORD said to me
This phrase indicates divine communication, emphasizing the prophetic nature of Hosea's mission. The Hebrew root for "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred name of God, underscoring His authority and covenant relationship with Israel. The phrase sets the stage for a direct command from God, highlighting the importance of obedience and the role of prophets as God's messengers.

Go, show love to your wife again
The command "Go" signifies action and obedience, urging Hosea to take initiative. "Show love" translates from the Hebrew word "ahav," which encompasses deep affection and commitment. This directive is not just about emotional affection but a covenantal love that mirrors God's steadfast love for His people. The word "again" implies restoration and forgiveness, reflecting God's willingness to restore Israel despite their unfaithfulness.

though she is loved by another and is an adulteress
This phrase acknowledges Gomer's unfaithfulness, paralleling Israel's spiritual adultery. The Hebrew term for "adulteress" is "na'aph," indicating a breach of covenant. This highlights the gravity of Israel's idolatry and the pain it causes God, yet it also sets the stage for redemption. The acknowledgment of her current state underscores the depth of Hosea's—and God's—love, which persists despite betrayal.

Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites
Here, the comparison between Hosea's love for Gomer and God's love for Israel is explicit. The Hebrew word for "love" is again "ahav," emphasizing a love that is unconditional and covenantal. This phrase serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His people, despite their repeated infidelities. It calls believers to reflect on the nature of divine love and its implications for human relationships.

though they turn to other gods
This phrase highlights Israel's idolatry, a recurring theme in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word for "turn" is "panah," suggesting a deliberate choice to abandon God. This turning away is not just a physical act but a spiritual betrayal, akin to adultery. It serves as a warning against the dangers of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God.

and love the sacred raisin cakes
The "sacred raisin cakes" were offerings associated with pagan worship, possibly linked to fertility rites. This phrase illustrates the tangible ways in which Israel's idolatry manifested. The Hebrew word for "love" here is again "ahav," indicating a misplaced affection for things that lead them away from God. This serves as a metaphor for the allure of sin and the need for spiritual discernment.

So I bought her
The act of buying here is significant in the context of Hosea's relationship with Gomer, symbolizing God's redemptive love for Israel. The Hebrew word used for "bought" is "קָנָה" (qanah), which can mean to acquire or purchase. This transaction is not merely a financial one but a profound act of love and redemption. Hosea's purchase of Gomer reflects God's willingness to redeem His people despite their unfaithfulness. It is a powerful illustration of grace, where God takes the initiative to restore a broken relationship.

for fifteen shekels of silver
The mention of "fifteen shekels of silver" is significant in understanding the value and cost of redemption. In ancient times, the price of a slave was typically thirty shekels of silver (Exodus 21:32). The fact that Hosea pays only fifteen shekels, along with barley, suggests that Gomer's value had diminished due to her lifestyle. This reflects Israel's spiritual state, having devalued themselves through idolatry. Yet, God still sees worth in them, just as Hosea sees worth in Gomer. The silver symbolizes the preciousness of redemption, pointing to the ultimate price paid by Christ for humanity's salvation.

and a homer and a lethek of barley
Barley was considered a less valuable grain compared to wheat, often associated with the poor or with offerings of lesser value (Judges 7:13, 2 Kings 4:42). The use of barley in this transaction underscores the humility and lowliness of Gomer's situation, as well as Israel's spiritual poverty. The specific measures, "a homer and a lethek," indicate a substantial amount, suggesting that Hosea's redemption of Gomer was costly and sacrificial. This mirrors the sacrificial nature of God's love, willing to give abundantly to restore His people. The combination of silver and barley in the purchase price highlights the completeness of redemption, encompassing both spiritual and material aspects.

Then I said to her
This phrase introduces a direct communication from Hosea to his wife, Gomer. The Hebrew word for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which often implies not just speaking but conveying a message with authority or intention. In the context of Hosea, a prophet, this communication is not merely personal but carries a divine directive. Hosea's role as a prophet means his actions and words are symbolic of God's relationship with Israel. This phrase sets the stage for a message of reconciliation and commitment.

You must live with me many days
The phrase "live with me" in Hebrew is "תֵּשְׁבִי עִמִּי" (teshvi immi), which suggests dwelling or abiding together. This is not a temporary arrangement but a call for a sustained, committed relationship. The "many days" indicates a significant period, symbolizing a time of restoration and faithfulness. Historically, this reflects the period of Israel's purification and return to God after a time of unfaithfulness. It is a call to stability and enduring presence, mirroring God's desire for Israel to remain faithful to Him.

you must not be promiscuous
The Hebrew word for "promiscuous" is "תִּזְנִי" (tizni), derived from "זָנָה" (zanah), meaning to commit fornication or idolatry. This command is both literal and metaphorical, addressing Gomer's past infidelity and Israel's spiritual adultery through idolatry. The prohibition against promiscuity is a call to purity and exclusivity in the covenant relationship, reflecting God's demand for Israel's undivided loyalty and worship.

or belong to any other man
This phrase emphasizes exclusivity in the relationship. The Hebrew "לְאִישׁ אַחֵר" (le'ish acher) translates to "to another man," underscoring the idea of not forming alliances or relationships outside the covenant. Historically, Israel often turned to other nations and gods, betraying their covenant with Yahweh. This command is a reminder of the first commandment, to have no other gods, and it calls for a return to monotheistic worship and reliance on God alone.

And I will live with you
The promise "I will live with you" is a commitment from Hosea, symbolizing God's unwavering faithfulness to Israel. The Hebrew "אֵשֵׁב אֹתָךְ" (eshev otach) implies a mutual dwelling, a restoration of the relationship. This reflects the covenantal promise where God pledges His presence and faithfulness to His people. It is a reassurance of God's grace and mercy, highlighting that despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains committed to His covenant and desires reconciliation and intimacy with His people.

For the Israelites
This phrase refers to the chosen people of God, the descendants of Jacob, who were set apart to be a holy nation. The term "Israelites" is deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship established between God and the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Historically, the Israelites were a people who experienced both the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. In this context, they are being reminded of their identity and the impending period of separation from their traditional religious and political structures.

must live many days
The phrase "must live many days" indicates a prolonged period of time. In the Hebrew context, this suggests a divinely ordained duration, emphasizing God's sovereignty over time and history. This period is not just a temporary setback but a significant epoch in Israel's history, where they are to endure the absence of their usual societal and religious norms. It is a time of waiting and reflection, meant to bring about repentance and renewal.

without king or prince
This highlights the absence of political leadership and governance. In ancient Israel, the king and prince were not only political figures but also seen as representatives of God's authority on earth. The lack of a king or prince signifies a loss of national identity and stability. Historically, this can be linked to the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, where Israel and Judah were left without their monarchs, symbolizing a period of judgment and divine discipline.

without sacrifice or sacred pillar
Sacrifices were central to Israelite worship, serving as a means of atonement and communion with God. The "sacred pillar" refers to the altars or standing stones used in worship, often associated with pagan practices that had infiltrated Israelite religion. The absence of these elements indicates a disruption in their religious practices, a call to purify their worship and return to the true worship of Yahweh. This period of absence is a divine intervention to cleanse and redirect the hearts of the people back to God.

without ephod or idol
The "ephod" was a priestly garment used in seeking divine guidance, while "idol" refers to the false gods that Israel often turned to in times of spiritual adultery. The absence of these items signifies a stripping away of both legitimate and illegitimate means of seeking divine favor. It is a call to abandon idolatry and to seek God with a pure heart. Historically, this reflects the period of exile when the Israelites were removed from their land and the temple, forcing them to confront their reliance on physical symbols rather than a genuine relationship with God.

Afterward
This word signifies a future event, a time following the current circumstances. In the context of Hosea, it points to a period after Israel's judgment and exile. The Hebrew root "אַחֲרֵי" (acharei) implies a sequence, suggesting hope and restoration following a time of discipline. It is a reminder that God's plans for His people include redemption and renewal.

the children of Israel
This phrase refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. Historically, it encompasses the twelve tribes that formed the nation of Israel. In Hosea's time, the nation was divided into the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah). The prophecy speaks to a collective return, indicating a reunification and restoration of the people as one nation under God.

will return
The Hebrew word "יָשׁוּבוּ" (yashuvu) means to turn back or repent. This is not merely a physical return to the land but a spiritual return to God. It implies a change of heart and a renewed commitment to the covenant relationship with the LORD. This return is a central theme in the prophetic literature, emphasizing repentance and restoration.

and seek the LORD their God
To "seek" (בִּקְשׁוּ, bikshu) in Hebrew conveys a diligent search or pursuit. It suggests an earnest desire to know and follow God. This seeking is relational, indicating a longing to restore the broken relationship with the LORD. The phrase "their God" underscores the personal and covenantal relationship between Israel and Yahweh, highlighting His faithfulness despite their unfaithfulness.

and David their king
This reference to "David" is significant, as it points to the Davidic covenant and the promise of a messianic king from David's lineage. Historically, David was the ideal king, a man after God's own heart. The prophecy looks forward to a future ruler, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the Son of David. This expectation of a righteous king is central to messianic hope.

They will come trembling
The Hebrew word "פָּחֲדוּ" (pachadu) conveys a sense of awe and reverence. This trembling is not merely fear but a recognition of God's holiness and majesty. It reflects a humble approach to God, acknowledging His power and mercy. This attitude is essential for true repentance and worship.

to the LORD and to His goodness
The phrase highlights the dual focus of Israel's return: to the LORD Himself and to His "goodness" (טוּבוֹ, tuv). God's goodness encompasses His mercy, grace, and faithfulness. It is His character that draws people to repentance and restoration. This goodness is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting God's loving-kindness and covenantal love.

in the last days
This eschatological phrase points to a future time of fulfillment and consummation. In the prophetic context, "the last days" often refer to the messianic age, a time when God's promises are fully realized. For Christians, this is seen in the coming of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom. It is a time of hope and expectation, where God's purposes for His people and the world are brought to completion.