HOSEA

Hosea 3 ©

By the marrying and long tarrying of an adulteress, God commands the prophet to set before the eyes of the Israelites the future long-lasting desolate condition of Israel, whereupon at last would follow their conversion unto Christ.

1

THEN 1said the LORD unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of her 2friend, yet an adulteress, 3according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of 4wine.

2

So I bought her to me for 5fifteen pieces of silver, and for an 6homera of 7barley, and an half homer of barley:

3

And I said unto her, Thou shaltb abide 8for me 9many days; thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not be for another man: so will 10I also be for thee.

4

For the children of Israel shall abide 11many days withoutc a 12king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an 13image, and without an 14ephod, and without 15teraphim:d

5

Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and 16Davide their king; and shall 17fear the LORD and his goodness inf the 18latter days.