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Hosea anticipated a time when the Lord would renew his covenant with Israel. He did so through the use of the analogy of marriage. By using the analogy of marriage, Hosea graphically described the unfaithfulness of Yahweh’s people and anticipated the time of a new covenant. This would be the time when Yahweh betroths his people to himself and purges them of their unfaithfulness. Let’s flesh out this marriage analogy to understand Yahweh’s faithfulness to his people when he establishes a new covenant.
These notes come from the Hosea volume in the Reformed Expository Commentary: Old Testament.
The Lord foresees a day to come when his people will come to him in repentance, reordering their lives according to his will. In that day, he says, “I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy” (Hos. 2:19).
Betrothal takes the relationship further than the courtship described in Hosea 2:14. Israel and the Lord would now become engaged for marriage. In the ancient world, betrothal was far more significant and binding than engagement is today. A betrothed couple was as legally, morally, and socially committed as they were in marriage. Instead of God’s reinvigorating the old relationship, broken by Israel’s idolatry as Hosea’s marriage was broken by Gomer’s adultery, God would create a new one. Ortlund writes: “A fresh betrothal, as if Israel were starting out again as a pure virgin, is set before the corrupted nation as their future hope.”
The emphasis on this new arrangement is seen in the threefold repetition of “betroth” in Hosea 2:19-20. Because Israel “had severed her relationship to God by her disobedience to the old covenant…she deserved to be cast off forever.” But because of the unfailing love on his part, God would effect a new covenant relationship that would endure forever.
The betrothal of Hosea 2:19-20 looks forward to the same event anticipated in the new covenant promise of Jeremiah 31:31-34. Writing during the destruction of Jerusalem, Jeremiah prophesied: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah” (Jer. 31:31). This new covenant would replace the Mosaic covenant, which failed because Israel broke the law through idolatry. It would involve justification through faith and the forgiveness of sins: “I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more” (v. 34). It would include the grace of sanctification: “I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts” (v. 33). The result would be a restored relationship forever between God and his people: “And I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (v. 33).
We see in Jeremiah’s promise the same parameters as in Hosea’s betrothal. Israel’s sin would be cleansed, a new spirit would be provided for her to persevere in faithfulness, and God would have eternal communion with his people.
Jeremiah’s new covenant came into history with the saving work of Jesus. Through Christ’s blood, God put away the guilt of our sin; through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, he grants faithful hearts to believers. Here was God’s purpose in the new betrothal of Gomer/Israel. Charles Feinberg writes: “The word used for ‘betroth’ (aras, to woo a virgin) speaks volumes of the grace of God that blots out sin. Israel is no longer seen as a harlot or an adulteress, but, mind you, as an unsullied virgin. Yahweh sees her as though she had never sinned.”
Hosea 2:19 enacts the ritual by which a husband arranges a bride-price for his future wife. What will God provide to make this marriage work? He says, “I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy”. Here are the very terms by which the gospel of Jesus Christ succeeds in the salvation of sinners. David Hubbard comments that these words depict “everything that Yahweh brings to the relationship, all the attributes which make for a covenant stamped by loyalty and integrity and love.”
In the first couplet, God promises “righteousness” and “justice” (Hos. 2:19). Since Gomer/Israel can supply no righteousness, the Lord provides it. Here, God anticipates justification through faith in Christ as the gospel promises. Paul writes, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 3:23-24). Thus, the Lord provides the wedding dress for the bride of Christ, a garment washed clean of sin through the blood of Jesus and a righteousness from God received by faith. Having provided this righteousness, the Lord pledges to act justly in the acceptance of this sin-cleansed bride and faithfulness in fulfilling his every promise.
The Lord further pledges “steadfast love” and “mercy”(Hos. 2:19). He will have compassion on the weakness of his people and will be tender in meeting their needs in salvation. With the problem of sin dealt with, God’s mercy will supply a loving ministry in caring for his church. God’s covenant faithfulness will mean that while his people face persecution in the world, he will defend them. While temptation may continue to oppress them, the Lord will deliver them into heaven. Best of all are the words of mercy Jeremiah spoke: “I will remember their sin no more” (Jer. 31:34).
The result will be a new covenant bond of mutual fidelity: “I will betroth you to me in faithfulness” (Hos. 2:20). Not only will God be faithful to fulfill all he has promised in this new marriage contract, but his bride will respond in faithful devotion. In short, God’s grace will work for her and in her, cleansing her sin and renewing her heart so that the new Israel will give her love wholeheartedly to him. McComiskey writes: “The blessing of the covenant will be secured because its conditions will have been met. Obedience on the part of God’s people will be facilitated by Yahweh’s sovereign act of love”. In this new faithfulness we anticipate the words of assurance in God’s sovereign grace in the words of the apostles.
The result of this new covenant is the marital love that God has always desired: “And you shall know the LORD” (Hos. 2:20). Jeremiah likewise said: “no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD” (Jer. 31:34).
Hosea’s language speaks of sexual intimacy in marriage as an analogy for the spiritual communion that God will enjoy with his saved people. Some of the best descriptions of marital sex is a shared delight in giving delight. This is what God desires in the spiritual communion of his people. This will be a faithful marriage, the former idols of the world renounced and forgotten by God’s people. The new Israel will know the Lord in the beauty of his grace. And God’s people will give him their hearts in the gospel bond of faith in Christ.
In faithfulness and affection, God will build a marriage to last forever. With God’s Son forever enthroned as Savior for believers and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit sanctifying them inwardly by grace, there will be no “till death do we part”. Not even the grave will sever the intimate bond of love between the Lord and his bride.
The above content is from the Reformed Expository Commentary: Old Testament (15 Vol.).
Also on sale Reformed Expository Commentary: New Testament (16 Vols.).
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Joy from above is not a yellow perpetual smiley-face. It’s a deep-seated something that permeates one’s entire life, regardless of circumstances. At the core, joy reflects our faith and confidence in a loving heavenly Father. It stems from a knowledge that a Master plan is in place, even when we can’t see the whole thing. Rejoice today!
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I declare today my joy is in you. I’m facing things I don’t completely understand. I have my doubts and admit my concerns. But I also know that all things work together for good for those who love you and are called according to your purposes. Today I choose joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Joy from above is not a yellow perpetual smiley-face. It’s a deep-seated something that permeates one’s entire life, regardless of circumstances. At the core, joy reflects our faith and confidence in a loving heavenly Father. It stems from a knowledge that a Master plan is in place, even when we can’t see the whole thing. Rejoice today!
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I declare today my joy is in you. I’m facing things I don’t completely understand. I have my doubts and admit my concerns. But I also know that all things work together for good for those who love you and are called according to your purposes. Today I choose joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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We all long for a sense of community where we are truly seen and accepted. A place where we can share our joys and sorrows, where we can grow without feeling ashamed or judged, and where we can make mistakes and learn from them. Fraternal affection is what creates this kind of community, teaching us to value, appreciate, and enjoy one another. It allows us to start over with renewed hope when we stumble. Love unites us and fosters compassion as we support each other in our journey towards improvement.
The term “agape” refers to the unconditional love that flows from the very essence of God. This love seeks to bless everything that it comes into contact with, and it is characterized by invincible goodness. Agape encompasses not only our heart, but also our mind and will, and it has the power to bind everything together. Even though Peter’s appeal to our selfish nature makes it impossible for us to love like God, we can still allow ourselves to be loved by Him and reflect that love to others.
Peter in the Gospels starts as an easily enthusiastic young man. As time goes on, he transforms, accepting his mistakes and developing self-compassion through devotion to God. He strives to cultivate the virtues that help him get up and keep going, even when it’s hard. He refuses to abandon his calling, choosing instead to persevere and build his character by resisting short-term desires, and waiting patiently for the process that God has for him. In short, he learns to embrace hope.
Are you feeling a strong desire to embark on a new journey in your life? Let’s pray:
Father, please help me align my deepest desires with your heart. Help me recognize the longings you have placed in my heart and allow me to see beyond my current circumstances. I don’t just want to imagine a goal and ask for your help, but rather to conceive it with you and work alongside you to make it a reality.
Please help me to focus on your presence and company on this journey, rather than solely on success or failure. May we together bear fruit that lasts from the intimacy we share. Amen.
To stay on track, we must have self-control. It’s not about suppressing our passions, but about allowing reason to guide them. Self-control helps us resist temptation, build good habits, and live better.
The original word used for patience – “hypomonē” – refers to firmness and resistance. It does not mean opposing something, but rather being willing to pay the price to support it. Imagine climbing a ladder that leans against a solid wall. Self-control helps you climb up, but the firmness and strength of the wall is needed to withstand the weight and pressure so that you don’t fall. Peter shows us one aspect of discipline, which is self-control and patience. Just like fruits, achieving positive outcomes in life also takes time and requires discipline. In the past, I struggled because I did not know how to honor this process.
In this passage, the word devotion is repeated in another form as “eusebia,” which means sincere piety. This sincere quest to be closer to God helps us discover truths that transform us. Devotion allows us to enjoy God’s company and run to Him when we fail or thank Him when we overcome. Success or failure is irrelevant; what matters is our longing to be close to Him. Living a life of godliness helps us develop our character for eternity and teaches us how to cherish everlasting relationships. These relationships produce meaningful outcomes that hold significance beyond our time on Earth. I refer to God’s presence in our journey as “Grace.” What guides our decisions? How do we handle negative emotions, such as guilt, fear, shame or pressure? Do we find solace in our faith in God?
Let us pray: “God, help me to fall more in love with You. You know me better than I know myself, and You love me more than I could love You. Help me to get to know You better so that I can make wise decisions. Allow me to move forward with a heart full of expectation and the right attitude, confident in what You will do in the process.” Amen.
Proverbs 26:7 teaches that wise words from a fool are as valuable as the legs of a paralytic, emphasizing the importance of commitment to our words. Faith is certainty leading to another reality; good conduct means persistence after every fall. Virtue is acquired by repeating good acts. Doing good is important despite multiple failures.
Peter emphasizes that good conduct alone is not enough; it must be complemented with understanding. Knowledge that is anchored in God always produces life and integrity, as opposed to knowledge that discriminates, dissects, or marginalizes people. The apostles of Jesus spoke of piety, which is the opposite of empty knowledge that leads to discrimination. While one can go to a laboratory, dissect a frog, and accurately describe its parts with systematic knowledge, the frog will still be lifeless. In contrast, biblical practical knowledge leads to communion with God, embraces you, guides you to connect with his creation and with others, and helps you grow to find the fullness that God has planned for your life. Therefore, it is not knowledge without a relationship; it gives meaning to your virtue.
The word “add” has its roots in the idea of nourishing. In fact, it appears in Colossians 2:19, where it talks about nurturing our stubborn and passionate desire to draw closer to God with knowledge. This is similar to how a musician, with persistent practice and desire, can become a virtuoso, producing beautiful music that transforms reality and inspires others. The more we learn about God, the more we become excited about the ways in which we can serve and inspire others.
Utilize your God-given potential and superpowers to the fullest. Take time to seek and reflect upon the beauty of God that brings meaning to your existence. Ask yourself who you are meant to serve and what cause you will dedicate yourself to. Rather than seeking God’s will for our life, we should focus on discovering our life’s purpose within His will.
Let us pray: “God, thank you for allowing me to know you in both my defeats and victories. Please give me the strength to intentionally live by your side. May my passions not be in vain. Show me those for whom I can make a difference in their lives.” Amen.
Food for the Soul 