Love and Discipline
Who would punish a child? Who would make the decision to restrain a child from something, take something away from him or to even ground the child? The answer could be this: a loving parent, one who wants the best for his child.
Hosea 3:1-5 (NIV)
Hosea and His Wife
The context of the whole book shows that Hosea had to buy back his own wife. Gomer, as she is called (Hosea 1: 2-3) committed adultery again and ended up at the slave market. There, Hosea bought her back and brought her to his house. His instructions were simple for her, she was placed under house arrest and she would sleep with no man; not with a stranger and not with her own husband. This form of discipline, or punishment if you want to call it, is intended to let Gomer think about her indiscretions.
God and His People
This true story is, at the same time, a message for Israel. They will be without a "man" for awhile, without a king, without a leader, without an idol. This period of disciplinary offers Israel a time of reflection. Who are we? What have we been doing? Is everything as it should be?
Discipline and Reconciliation
The ultimate purpose of discipline - punishment that is given out of love - is reconciliation. Hosea wants Gomer to return to him with all her heart. He wants her return to her husband. God wants Israel to turn away from the idols and return to their God, their Creator. This will happen as foretold in verse 5. They will be longing for their God. In the last chapter of Hosea, chapter 14, we read how wonderful this reconciliation is established.
7People will dwell again in his shade;
they will flourish like the grain,
they will blossom like the vine—
Israel’s fame will be like the wine of Lebanon.
8 Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols?
I will answer him and care for him.
I am like a flourishing juniper;
your fruitfulness comes from me.”
Hosea 14:7-8 (NIV)
Discipline of the loving Father is always meant to bring us close to the Father’s Heart.
