The Book of Hosea is unique from this perspective: God took charge of a priest’s life and sent him on a journey of love, heartbreak, desertion and reclamation. Before Hosea uttered a word of prophecy, according to the account, he was commanded to marry either a prostitute or a woman with wandering eyes. This was a technical violation of the law, for priests were to marry only virgins (Leviticus 21:14).
As expected, the wife proved herself unfaithful, and Hosea had to deal with the betrayal. Finally, she deserted him, was kidnapped and was taken into slavery. Hosea found her and had to buy her back for himself. He told her the new rules of the house to try and reclaim her heart (Hosea 3:1-3).
God used Hosea’s worn, broken heart to voice His prophecy to unfaithful Israel. The mournful tones are evident to the reader. “…‘She decked herself with her earrings and jewelry, And went after her lovers; But Me she forgot,’ says the LORD” (Hosea 2:13b). “O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? For your faithfulness is like a morning cloud, And like the early dew it goes away” (Hosea 6:4). “How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I set you like Zeboiim? My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred” (Hosea 11:8).
How sad and terrible that we would treat God so! How amazing and wonderful that He would have us feel His heart of love toward us (Romans 5:8)!
