Theory question 104
God's Divine Love(a) Relate the story of Hosea's marriage to Gomer. (b) Mention three factors that ensure a stable marriage.
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(a) God told Hosea to take a wife of harlotry, for the land had forsaken the Lord (Hosea 1:2).
He married Gomer daughter of Diblaim (Hosea 1:3).
She bore a son, Jezreel, for God would punish the house of Jehu (Hosea 1:4-5).
Then a daughter, Lo-ruhamah ("not pitied") (Hosea 1:6).
Then a son, Lo-ammi ("not my people") (Hosea 1:8-9).
Gomer went after her lovers (Hosea 2:2-5).
God told Hosea to love her again, as the Lord loves Israel though they turn to other gods (Hosea 3:1).
He bought her back for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a lethech of barley (Hosea 3:2).
He told her to remain faithful to him for many days (Hosea 3:3).
(b) Any three: love and faithfulness; forgiveness; communication; mutual respect; prayer and fear of God; meeting each other's needs; patience and tolerance.
Narrate Hosea 1–3, then three factors.