“Then the LORD said to me, ‘Go again, love a woman who is loved by a lover and is committing adultery, just like the love of the LORD for the children of Israel, who look to other gods and love the raisin cakes of the pagans.’” Hosea 3:1

Go and Love

Israel’s relationship with God was broken. In spite of Israel’s harlotry, God would prove Himself faithful to His covenant with His people. In the same manner, God used His prophet, Hosea, to keep his covenant with his wife, Gomer.

This Scripture has long intrigued me. Generally, when it’s brought up in a discussion, everyone focuses on the obvious: Gomer was a prostitute. We feel sorry for poor Hosea, seemingly forced to marry a harlot. What man in his right mind would want to marry such a woman?

What I find to be intriguing are the words “Go again, love a woman…” God didn’t tell him to tolerate her. He didn’t say to put conditions on her before she’s good enough to come home. He told Hosea to love her. The Hebrew word for love, ahava, means to give. Hosea had already married Gomer; she left him to return to her former life. God commanded Hosea to not only take her back—he had to buy her. This command to love her came when she had already proven herself to be unfaithful. Hosea was obedient and got his wife back.

Not much seems to be known about Gomer. We don’t know why she was in that lifestyle, but I can’t help but wonder: Did she suffer abuse as a child? Was she sold by her father? Or was she, as we tend to think, just bad? I have read that her mother was also a prostitute. I’m willing to bet that no matter what the reason, she must have been filled with self-loathing. And then here comes Hosea, who is purposing to love her. I imagine she felt unworthy. So many of us haven’t gone through the extreme lifestyle Gomer went through, yet still we walk in our supposed unworthiness.

Another interesting part of this story is the meaning of the names of our main characters. Hosea means salvation, and Gomer means completion. Just as God kept His covenant with Israel, Hosea gave Gomer his name and protection. He saved her from her humiliating lifestyle, loved her, and brought their story to completion. Jesus does the same for you. You are redeemable, worthy, and loved.

“Lord, You love Israel, You loved Gomer, and you certainly love us! Please show us how to walk confidently in Your love, even when we deem ourselves unworthy. Thank You for Your redemption! In Jesus’ name. Amen.”