ScriptureDepth's study of Hosea 3
“Yahweh said to me, “Go again, love a woman loved by another, and an adulteress, even as Yahweh loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods, and love cakes of raisins.”
Hosea 3:1
Yahweh commands Hosea to love Gomer, an adulteress, mirroring His love for unfaithful Israel, which sets the chapter's theme of redemption and faithfulness.
What Hosea 3 is about
Yahweh commands Hosea to love a woman who is loved by another and an adulteress (v. 1). Hosea buys her for fifteen pieces of silver and a homer and a half of barley (v. 2). He instructs her to stay with him without engaging in prostitution or being with another man (v. 3). The children of Israel will live without king, prince, sacrifice, sacred stone, ephod, or idols for many days (v. 4). Following this period, they will return and seek Yahweh and David their king (v. 5).
The chapter leaves the reader with a promise of restoration and a return to faithfulness.
Hosea 3 at a glance
- Hosea 3:1God Commands Hosea to Love Gomer
- Hosea 3:2Hosea Redeems Gomer
- Hosea 3:3The Call to Faithfulness
- Hosea 3:4Israel's Future Exile
- Hosea 3:5Promise of Restoration
Key verse: Hosea 3:1
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Hosea 3 (WEB)
God Commands Hosea to Love Gomer Hosea 3:1
1Verse 1. Yahweh said to me, “Go again, love a woman loved by another, and an adulteress, even as Yahweh loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods, and love cakes of raisins.”
Hosea Redeems Gomer Hosea 3:2
2Verse 2. So I bought her for myself for fifteen pieces of silver and a homerand a half of barley.
The Call to Faithfulness Hosea 3:3
3Verse 3. I said to her, “You shall stay with me many days. You shall not play the prostitute, and you shall not be with any other man. I will also be so toward you.”
Israel's Future Exile Hosea 3:4
4Verse 4. For the children of Israel shall live many days without king, and without prince, and without sacrifice, and without sacred stone, and without ephod or idols.
Promise of Restoration Hosea 3:5
5Verse 5. Afterward the children of Israel shall return, and seek Yahweh their God, and David their king, and shall come with trembling to Yahweh and to his blessings in the last days.
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in Hosea 3
redemption
In verse 2, Hosea's action of buying Gomer for 'fifteen pieces of silver and a homer and a half of barley' signifies the act of redemption. This transaction shows Hosea's commitment to Gomer despite her unfaithfulness. By redeeming her, Hosea demonstrates a tangible expression of love and restoration, reinforcing the idea of liberation from bondage.
covenant love
In verse 1, Yahweh commands Hosea to 'love a woman loved by another, and an adulteress' as an act of covenant love. This command parallels Yahweh's love for Israel, who turns 'to other gods.' The chapter conveys that even in Israel's unfaithfulness, God's steadfast love persists, showcasing the deep relational commitment despite betrayal.
restoration
Verse 5 speaks of a future time when the 'children of Israel shall return, and seek Yahweh their God.' This promise of restoration follows a period of exile, indicating that despite their disobedience, there will be a return to faithfulness. The chapter concludes with hope for Israel's future, emphasizing a time of reconciliation and divine blessing.
faithfulness
In verse 3, Hosea instructs Gomer not to engage in prostitution or be with other men. This command establishes a standard for faithfulness within their relationship. Hosea's commitment to love her, despite her past, indicates the necessity of mutual loyalty and devotion, which is a crucial element in the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
Chapter outline
How Hosea 3 unfolds
Hosea 3:1 God Commands Hosea to Love Gomer
Yahweh commands Hosea to 'go again, love a woman loved by another, and an adulteress', paralleling God's love for Israel despite their unfaithfulness (v. 1).
Hosea 3:2 Hosea Redeems Gomer
Hosea redeems Gomer by purchasing her for 'fifteen pieces of silver and a homer and a half of barley', fulfilling the command to love her (v. 2).
Hosea 3:3 The Call to Faithfulness
Hosea instructs Gomer to remain with him and not to engage in prostitution or relationships with other men, highlighting mutual commitment (v. 3).
Hosea 3:4 Israel's Future Exile
The prophecy states that 'the children of Israel shall live many days without king, and without prince, and without sacrifice,' highlighting their future lack of leadership and worship practices (v. 4).
Hosea 3:5 Promise of Restoration
The text states that 'the children of Israel shall return, and seek Yahweh their God, and David their king,' depicting a future moment of repentance and worship 'in the last days' (v. 5).
Key verses
Hosea 3:1Yahweh commands Hosea to love Gomer, an adulteress, mirroring His love for unfaithful Israel, which sets the chapter's theme of redemption and faithfulness.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Hosea 3
- observeIn v1, who is instructed to love 'a woman loved by another'?
- observeWhat does Hosea buy Gomer for in v2?
- interpretIn v3, what does the phrase 'you shall not play the prostitute' convey about Gomer's expected behavior?
- interpretIn v4, why does Yahweh mention the lack of 'king', 'prince', and 'sacrifice' for Israel?
- applyWhen has an act of love challenged you to face unfaithfulness like Hosea did in v1?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Hosea 3
- Jeremiah 29Hosea 3:5 and Jeremiah 29:11Both express hope for restoration: Hosea 3:5 says Israel shall seek Yahweh, while Jeremiah 29:11 states God has thoughts of peace.
- Jeremiah 30Hosea 3:5 and Jeremiah 30:9Both mention serving David: Hosea 3:5 says Israel will seek David their king, while Jeremiah 30:9 states they will serve David their king.
- Jeremiah 3Hosea 3:1 and Jeremiah 3:12Both invite Israel to return: Hosea 3:1 shows God's love for Israel, while Jeremiah 3:12 calls Israel to return with mercy.
- Jeremiah 31Hosea 3:5 and Jeremiah 31:17Both convey hope for children: Hosea 3:5 says they will return to Yahweh, while Jeremiah 31:17 promises children will come again to their territory.
- Hosea 1Hosea 3:5 and Hosea 1:11Both mention a future gathering: Hosea 3:5 says Israel will return, while Hosea 1:11 states they will appoint one head.
- Ezekiel 34Hosea 3:5 and Ezekiel 34:23Both mention David as shepherd: Hosea 3:5 states Israel seeks David their king, while Ezekiel 34:23 says God will set up one shepherd over them.
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Where to go from here
- Hosea: the whole bookHosea's ministry began with a shocking command: marry a promiscuous wife.
- Full Year Chronological Bible, day 204Day 204 of 365: Amos 9 · Hosea 1–3.
- LoveWhat the Bible says about love, with verses.
- Common Bible questionsThe questions people bring to Bible study, each answered from the text.
- Today's devotionalOne verse and a short reflection, new every morning.
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