THE ATTEMPTS TO RECLAIM THE ERRING WIFE In an episode in the life of Hosea and his relations with Gomer (cp. Hosea 2:14) the prophet finds a parable of Jehovah's punishment of Israel. Having bought back his erring wife, as though she were a slave, he subjects her to gentle restraint, depriving her... [ Continue Reading ]
BOUGHT HER] She appears to have become the voluntary slave-concubine of her paramour. FIFTEEN.. SILVER] presumably the ordinary price for a female slave. Joseph was sold for twenty (Genesis 37:28).... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR ME] i.e. as my property. For _another_ man] RV 'any man's wife.' For awhile Gomer was to live as though unmarried. 4. Gomer's isolation is the symbol of that of exiled Israel, deprived of political organisation and religious services. SACRIFICE, etc.] cp. Hosea 2:11. All forms of religious symbo... [ Continue Reading ]
RETURN] often used of a new line of action or change of life: cp. Hosea 14:7. DAVID THEIR KING] The idolatrous worship of Israel was closely connected with their political schism: see 1 Kings 12:27. Hosea contemplates once more a united kingdom under the Davidic monarchy. It is quite possible, howev... [ Continue Reading ]