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Webster Bible

Hosea 3

1 Then said the LORD to me, Go yet, love a woman beloved by [her] friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the LORD towards the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine.
2 So I bought her to me for fifteen [pieces] of silver, and [for] a homer of barley, and a half homer of barley:
3 And I said to her, Thou shalt abide for me many days; thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not be for [another] man: so [will] I also [be] for thee.
4 For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and [without] teraphim:
5 Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.

Chapter Summary

Hosea buys back his unfaithful wife, picturing God's persistent love for Israel despite her waywardness.

Book Summary

Hosea's marriage to an unfaithful wife becomes a living parable of God's covenant love for wayward Israel. The book exposes Israel's spiritual adultery while revealing a divine love that will not let His people go.