Daily Devotions
Hosea
"And speak comfort to her"
Text: Hosea 2:14
PUNISHMENT WAS NOT THE LAST WORD
Punishment was due for many reasons! The deeds of Israel were almost unforgiveable!
1. The Covenant of God established with Israel (Exodus 24).
This was completely broken.
2. The Ten Commandments
All the Commandments were broken all the time!
God’s justice had to be upheld! But mercifully, punishment was not the last word!
TREMENDOUS MERCY PLANNED
No words may be found to describe the extent of God’s mercy! With astonishment and wonder we read of how God revealed what He would do for Israel.
“Therefore, behold, I will allure her,
Will bring her into the wilderness,
And speak comfort to her.”
Hosea 2:14
1. “Therefore, behold”
a) This expression was written deliberately.
b) God’s mercy was planned.
2. “I will allure her”
a) God will speak to Israel in the language she understands.
b) The word “allure”:
i) To be charming.
ii) To be attractive.
c) God would reveal many things to Israel so that she will be drawn back to Himself.
3. “Will bring her into the wilderness”
a) In the wilderness she will realize her lovers (foreign deities) are false and wicked.
b) In the wilderness she will understand afresh how God would do the following:
i) He would provide.
ii) He will protect.
iii) He will reveal His glory day and night.
4. “And speak comfort to her”
a) God would not continue to speak words of anger.
b) There would be words of comfort instead.
This was the great mercy that God had planned to show to erring Israel.