Trouble brought hope to Israel -- Hosea 2:14-17: This begins the beautiful picture of God alluring His people back. As a wronged husband that was willing to forgive his unfaithful wife God would receive back a penitent Israel. If it is your desire to serve God He will receive you back. If it is your desire to chase after adulterous religion God will give you up to that desire. When the unfaithful bride returns to her first love she is forgiven and received back. The word Achor means "trouble." It was the name of the place where Achan sinned at Jericho and brought so much "trouble" upon the congregation. Sin got Israel in trouble, but God's love brought them out. There was a door of hope for God's unfaithful people.

In an unusual expression God said, "And it shall be at that day, saith the LORD, that thou shalt call me Ishi; and shalt call me no more Baali." (Hosea 2:16) Imagine the joy experienced by Israel when she is received back by the loving and forgiving God of heaven. Those that return to God could call Him their husband. The captivity of God people brought them from idolatry back to service to God.

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