Israel’s punishment and restoration are the themes of this chapter. As predicted, Gomer left Hosea to pursue her lusts (Remember, God is causing Hosea’s wife to be unfaithful to show Israel’s unfaithfulness)…
“Their mother is a shameless prostitute and became pregnant in a shameful way. She said, ‘I’ll run after other lovers and sell myself to them for food and water, for clothing of wool and linen, and for olive oil and drinks.’
“For this reason I will fence her in with thornbushes. I will block her path with a wall to make her lose her way. When she runs after her lovers, she won’t be able to catch them. She will search for them but not find them.” Hosea 2: 5-7
The Israelites were thanking false God’s (specifically Baal, the god whom they believed controlled the weather and thus farming) for their food, shelter, and clothing, instead of the true God, who gave those blessings. Therefore, God would fence Israel in “with thornbushes” and “block her path” by making the rewards of idol worship so disappointing that the people would be persuaded to turn back to God. Despite Israel’s unfaithfulness, God was still faithful and merciful. He would continue to hold His arms out to His people, even to the point of placing obstacles in their wayward path to turn them back to Him. Just as Gomer would return to her husband if she thought she would be better off with him, so people often return to God when they find life’s struggles too difficult to handle.
“But then I will win her back once again. I will lead her (Israel) into the desert and speak tenderly to her there. I will return her vineyards to her, and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope. She will give herself to me there.” Hosea 2: 14-15
God was promising (1) to bring the people to the desert, a place free from distractions, so He could clearly communicate with them, and (2) to change what had been a time of trouble into a day of hope. Let’s stop here, because I just have to testify of God’s unfailing love! Despite being physically stricken with this medically incurable disease, God has been gracious and merciful; what I initially considered to be the greatest crisis of my life, was actually the most severe mercy my awesome, Heavenly Father ever gave me! Yes, He placed a HUGE, painful obstacle in my path… but just as He used a painful obstacle in the Israelites path… it led them (and me) straight back to Him!
God absolutely uses even our negative experiences to create opportunities for us to turn back to Him. As you face your own problems and trials, remember that God speaks to us in the desert!
