Hosea 1:3
So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim; which conceived, and bare him a son.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֙לֶךְ֙
H1980
וַיֵּ֙לֶךְ֙
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 10
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
גֹּ֖מֶר
Gomer
H1586
גֹּ֖מֶר
Gomer
Strong's:
H1586
Word #:
4 of 10
gomer, the name of a son of japheth and of his descendants; also of a hebrewess
בַּת
the daughter
H1323
בַּת
the daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
5 of 10
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
וַתַּ֥הַר
which conceived
H2029
וַתַּ֥הַר
which conceived
Strong's:
H2029
Word #:
7 of 10
to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
Hosea prophesied to the Northern Kingdom (Israel/Ephraim) in the 8th century BC during their final decades before Assyrian conquest (722 BC). This was an era of political instability, syncretistic worship (Baal cult mixing with YHWH worship), and social injustice despite economic prosperity. The marriage metaphor would have resonated powerfully as Israel repeatedly broke covenant with God by pursuing foreign alliances and idol worship. Gomer's bearing children with symbolic names (Jezreel, Lo-Ruhamah, Lo-Ammi) prophesied coming judgment, yet chapter 3 shows Hosea redeeming Gomer back, foreshadowing God's ultimate restoration of Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Hosea's costly obedience challenge my willingness to embody God's truth even when personally painful?
- In what ways does my life illustrate spiritual adultery—pursuing other loves while claiming loyalty to God?
Analysis & Commentary
Hosea's obedience to God's shocking command to 'take unto thee a wife of whoredoms' demonstrates the prophetic embodiment of divine truth. The name 'Gomer daughter of Diblaim' grounds this in historical reality—not allegory but actual marriage to a promiscuous woman (or one predisposed to adultery). This living parable illustrates Israel's spiritual adultery against YHWH. The covenant between God and Israel was depicted as marriage throughout Scripture (Isaiah 54:5, Jeremiah 2:2, Ezekiel 16, 23). Hosea's faithful love for unfaithful Gomer mirrors God's hesed (steadfast covenant love) toward wayward Israel. This anticipates Christ's love for His bride the Church (Ephesians 5:25-32)—loving her while yet sinful, pursuing her redemption, and presenting her spotless.