Village Schools of the Bible

A Devotional Study of Hosea
by Max Frazier, Jr.

A TIME OF REBUKE: Hosea 2

Yesterday we began our brief study in the book of Hosea. In chapter one we were introduced to this prophet and his family. We noticed that Hosea represented God and His great love for His wayward people Israel, represented by Gomer. Even though God came and administered punishment to Israel because of their sinful disobedience, the chapter closed on the note of God's great mercies which would be shown to them.

In this second chapter, Hosea relates the stern rebuke of Israel by God for her spiritual adultery. Again, although harsh, it culminates in God's blessings.

God could have divorced Himself from His bride, Israel. In fact, He had every right to do so. They had prostituted themselves before Him. They had spurned His love. They had walked in willful disobedience to His will. The twentieth century attitude would have been the obtaining of a divorce.

But God disciplines His errant child, Israel, and woos her back with love. Discipline done in love is a powerful tool reclaiming many from the pathways of sin. I am reminded of the advice which Dr. Jim Dobson shares, in almost every book which he has written. He admonishes parents to never punish their children in a moment of anger because all the child will remember is the anger. He encourages parents to always discipline in a moment of love. The words of love bring not only correction but healing of the relationship between parent and child which has been created.

As one reads this second chapter of Hosea, one cannot help but remember those words from that old hymn. O, the deep, deep love of Jesus,Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free! Rolling as a mighty ocean In its fullness over me, Underneath me, all around me, Is the current of Thy love; Leading onward, leading homeward To my glorious rest above.

A second truth evident within this chapter is a reminder that everything that we have comes from God. How easily did Israel forget. And how easily do we forget today. We assume that we have because we have worked harder, planned better, created wiser. We take the credit. Although we may not worship idols as openly as did Israel, we, nonetheless, defer all glory from God.

Sometimes the only way God can change our focus is for Him to take away those things with which we identify success. And, as with Israel, in our brokenness, we return to God. Oh the pain we could save ourselves if we would but give Him the glory first. After all, He alone is worthy to receive all glory, honor, and praise.

Further Thoughts from Hosea 2

KEY WORDS: Her (referring to Israel); Love; Loved; Lovers; Rebuke; Adulterous; Unfaithful; Unfaithfulness; But one she forgot

KEY VERSE: Verses 2 and 19 present contrasts for the initiation and conclusion of this time of rebuke.

PURPOSE STATEMENT: In this chapter, Hosea relates the stern rebuke of Israel by God for her spiritual adultery. Although harsh, it culminates in blessing.

OUTLINE: A REBUKE THAT BRINGS HOPE

I. A stern rebuke - verses 1-3

II. Discipline for a self-centered attitude - verses 4-13

III. A time of blessing - verses 14-23

Hosea 1 Return to the Table of Contents Hosea 3