Hosea 3:1

CHAPTER III

By the prophet's taking back his wife, for whom he (her friend

or husband) still retained has affection, though she had proved

unfaithful; by his entering into a new contract with her; and

by his giving her hopes of reconciliation, after she should for

some time prove, as in a state of widowhood, the sincerity of

her repentance; is represented the gracious manner in which God

will restore the Jews from the Babylonish captivity, 1-4.

It is also very strongly intimated that the whole house of

Israel will be added to the Church of Christ in the latter

days, 5.

NOTES ON CHAP. III

Verse Hosea 3:1. Go yet, love a woman] This is a different command from that mentioned in the first chapter. That denoted the infidelity of the kingdom of Israel, and God's divorce of them. He gave them up to their enemies, and caused them to be carried into captivity. The woman mentioned here represents one who was a lawful wife joining herself to a paramour; then divorced by her husband; afterwards repenting, and desirous to be joined to her spouse; ceasing from her adulterous commerce, but not yet reconciled to him. This was the state and disposition of the Jews under the Babylonish captivity. Though separated from their own idols, they continued separated from their God. He is still represented as having affectionate feelings towards them; awaiting their full repentance and contrition, in order to renew the marriage covenant. These things are pointed out by the symbolical actions of the prophet.

Beloved of her friend] Or, a lover of evil; or, loving another: for the Hebrew words אהבת רע mean one who loves evil or a friend: because רע signifies a friend, or evil, according as it is pointed. The former seems to be its best sense here; רע rea is a friend; רע ra is evil.

According to the love of the Lord] This woman, who had proved false to her husband, was still beloved by him, though he could not acknowledge her; as the Israelites were beloved by the Lord, while they were looking after other gods. The flagons of wine were probably such as were used for libations, or drunk in idol feasts. Others think that the words should be translated cakes of dried grapes, sweet cakes, consecrated wafers.