The Pulpit Commentary on Hosea 3:1

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

The love of the Lord toward the children of Israel.

This exquisitely beautiful phrase comes in the midst of a passage of the most painful and distressing character. As a fend husband may tenderly love his wife, even though she abandon herself to a course of infidelity and profligacy, so the God of Israel is represented as cherishing towards his people, even in their defection and apostasy, the sincerest compassion, the most invincible affection.

I. HOW THE LOVE OF THE LORD TO ISRAEL WAS FIRST DISPLAYED.

1. In their selection from amongst the nations of the earth as the object of his special favor and calling.

2. In the communication to them of peculiar advantages and privileges. They were the depositaries of his truth, the conservators of his worship.

II. How THE LOVE OF THE LORD TO ISRAEL WAS TRIED AND TESTED.

1. By their forgetfulness of him.

2. By their neglect of his ordinances.

3. By their rejection of his messengers and prophets.

4. By their addictedness to idolatry.

5. By their violation of his commandments.

6. By their blasphemy of his Name.

III. HOW THE LOVE OF GOD ENDURED AND TRIUMPHED IN THE TEST TO WHICH IT WAS SUBJECTED.

1. Israel was spared, although deserving abandonment to destruction.

2. Promises of grace were addressed, when threats of desertion were to be expected.

3. Opportunity of repentance and reconciliation was afforded, and Israel was entreated not to abuse it.—T.

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commentaryMatthew Henry on Hosea 3:1-3The dislike of men to true religion is because they love objects and forms, which allow them to indulge, instead of mortifying their lusts. How wonderful that a holy God should have good-will to those whose carnal mind…Matthew Henry commentaryIdolatry of Israel; The Prophet's Remonstrances; Promises to the Penitent. (b. c. 760.)IDOLATRY OF ISRAEL; THE PROPHET'S REMONSTRANCES; PROMISES TO THE PENITENT. (B. C. 760.) Some think that this chapter refers to Judah, the two tribes, as the adulteress the prophet married (Hosea 1:3) represented the ten…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Hosea 3:1-5Love to the adulteress. It has been shown in Hosea 2:1-23. that the punishment of Israel is designed to work for the nation's moral recovery. A new symbol is accordingly employed to set forth this aspect of the truth; a…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Hosea 3:1-3God's mercifulness and Israel's sinfulness are brought into contrast. Some are disposed to regard the woman mentioned in this chapter as identical with Gomer, whom the prophet had previously made his wife; and that she…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Hosea 3:1-5Hosea detains Gomer in seclusion. This chapter, like Hosea 1:1-11; is written in prose; all the other twelve being rhythmical. It deals, as Hosea 1:1-11. does, with the personal life of Hosea, giving one further glimpse…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Hosea 3:1-5EXPOSITION This short chapter contains two sections, of which the first, comprising Hosea 3:1-3, is a symbolic representation; and the second, consisting of Hosea 3:4 and Hosea 3:5, gives the explanation. The prophet be…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Hosea 3:1The general meaning of this verse is well given in the Chaldee Targum: "Go, utter a prophecy against the house of Israel, who are like a woman very dear to her husband, and who, though she is unfaithful to him, is never…Joseph S. Exell and contributors