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Hosea 3

Chapter 3 tells the story of how Hosea has to learn to love his wife again, despite her unfaithfulness...

In the opening verse God gives instructions to Hosea.
They contain 3 points to pay attention to.
Go.
Again.
Love.
What do these 3 points tell you?

What is the meaning of these 'sacred raisin cakes'?

Hosea not only has to go, again, and love Gomer... he has to buy his wife back!
What does this tell us about the situation?

"Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites"...
How does this speak of God?

What "gods" (God-substitutes or "saviours") are you prone to turn to?
Why?
What is appealing about them?
How do they compare to God and God's love?

Verse 2 shockingly tells us that Hosea brought her... he brought his own wife... Hosea pays for what is ALREADY his!
How does this point to the shocking story of Jesus?

[Activity] Read 1 Peter 1:18-19.
What comparison is being made here?
How does it relate to the story in Hosea?
how does it relate to your own story?

In verse 3 it says "I will behave the same way towards you" which can be literally translated as "I will wait for you"... Hosea's love for Gomer will require time and patience.

The words "live with" (in verse 3) can be translated as "wait for".
What do we learn about God from Hosea's restraint?

What is happening in verses 4-5?
How does this connect with what's gone on in verses 1-3?

Verse 4 mentions a number of 'withouts'...
* King / Prince
* Sacrifice / Sacred stones
* Ephod / Household gods
What do each of these represent?

How do the promises of verses 4-5 come true for us now (in part) and in the future (fully)?


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