The Story of Hosea and Gomer in the Bible

The Book of Hosea is the first of 12 Books of Prophets in the Old Testament. Hosea prophesied that if the people did not repent, their nation would be destroyed and they would be taken into captivity. The matrimonial infidelity between Hosea and his wife Gomer is used as a metaphor to illustrate this message.

A Summary of Hosea and Gomer's Love Story:

• God told Hosea to marry Gomer, a prostitute.
• Hosea did as God asked and married Gomer.
• Gomer continued to go with other men.
• But Hosea stayed with her.
• Gomer continued to be unfaithful, even after she had Hosea's children.
• But God told Hosea to stay with her.
• Hosea went so far as to pay a redemption price to "buy" his wife back.

The Main Theme of the Book of Hosea

Hosea and Gomer's story is the story of God and Israel. The story is a metaphor for the Israelites who abandoned God, and for sinning. The underlying theme in the Book of Hosea is God's love for his people. But other themes include Israel's sins and the coming of retribution. Gomer represents Israel and people who sin while Hosea represents God and his unconditional love.

How Did the Story of Hosea and Gomer End?

Although Hosea would have been justified in divorcing Gomer, instead he redeemed her for thirty shekels of silver and they stayed together. Hosea and Gomer's reconciliation is a hopeful message that through redemption man can reconcile with God.

What Does the Book of Hosea Teach Us?

God turned Hosea's life and marriage into a living parable. The lessons from Hosea and Gomer include God's eternal love for his people even when they sin. God will never give up on us, just as Hosea didn't give up on Gomer. God continues to love his people even when they sin. Just as Hosea paid a price to redeem Gomer, so did God pay a price by giving his Son, Jesus, to redeem mankind.