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Israel, the Son of God
New Testament fulfillment language does not always mean a prophet directly saw an aspect of Jesus’ ministry. When the Apostles say Christ fulfilled a prophecy, they sometimes mean that He is the true realization of a particular old covenant theme or institution. Looking for such things when we read the Old Testament helps us better understand Christ’s work. These themes and institutions include such things as exodus, exile, restoration, prophet, priest, king, temple, and Israel. View Resource
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Reaping the Whirlwind
Scripture teaches in several places that God will give people the desires of their hearts. For the Christian, this is a blessing, for as we delight ourselves in the Lord, our desires will more and more line up with God’s will. But for those in bondage to sin, receiving the desires of the heart leads only to more enslavement and, ultimately, destruction (Rom. 1:18–32). We must guard our hearts so that when their desires are granted, we enjoy what is good, noble, and beautiful. View Resource
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Raised by the LORD
Some commentators believe there is an allusion to Hosea 6:2 in passages such as Mark 8:31 and Acts 10:40, but it seems unlikely that the prophet had a specific time frame for the resurrection in mind when he wrote. Still, this passage must ultimately look forward to the Messiah’s resurrection given the promise of a restoration in the last days under David’s greatest son. Ultimately, our bodies will be resurrected, and we will experience all of God’s blessings in a new heaven and earth (Rev. 20–21). View Resource
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Seeking Help in All the Wrong Places
Even though we are justified by faith alone as individuals and redeemed based on our personal relationship to God, we cannot forget that the Lord also deals with the church as a corporate body. Entire denominations feel the effects of divine judgment for false teaching, not just individual congregations. We must guard against false teaching to safeguard ourselves and those around us from enduring the ramifications of judgment on false teachers. View Resource
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Hosea Redeems His Wife
Matthew Henry comments on today’s passage: “All who are sincerely devoted to God are betrothed to him; God will love them, protect them, and provide for them. The covenant itself shall be inviolable: God will not break it on his part, and you shall not on yours; and the blessings of it shall be everlasting.” The Lord’s promise of a new exodus meant that there was still a remnant whom God loved. Even when things seem their darkest, God always has His people. View Resource
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Unfaithful Children
One commentator has pointed out that Hosea likely endured much grief because of the names of his children. Every time an Israelite spoke to No Mercy and Not My People, he would have been reminded of the prophet’s words against the nation. That certainly did not win him any popularity contests. Similarly, we can experience trouble when we are faithful to the Lord. But let us not allow the prospect of suffering to keep us from following God’s Word. View Resource
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Hosea, the Son of Beeri
The imagery of God as the husband of His covenant people—His bride—is pervasive in Scripture (Isa. 62:5; Rev. 19:6–10). It is a picture of great intimacy and tenderness, conveying the deep love that the Lord has for His people. We are called to return that love to Him, to know Him and enjoy a oneness in heart and mind with Him that mirrors what occurs in godly marriages. Are you pursuing the Lord so that you may achieve this kind of relationship with Him? View Resource
