Hos 2:2-3 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Hos 2:2-23: 2:2-23 bring charges against Israel: At first glance, the Lord, as the aggrieved husband, appears to be issuing a bill of divorce against his unfaithful spouse, Israel (see Deut 24:1 ). As the passage continues, however, it becomes clear that God’s purpose in this lawsuit is not divorce, but reconciliation (Hos 2:14-23 ). God’s case against Israel is intended to awaken Israel to her sin and offer her a chance to return to her true husband. The Lord’s desire for reconciliation with Israel is all the more surprising inasmuch as the law stipulated the death penalty for an adulterous spouse (Deut 22:22 ; see also Gen 38:24 ; Lev 21:9 ).

a2:2-23►

bDeut 24:1►

cHos 2:14-23►

dDeut 22:22►

eGen 38:24►

fLev 21:9►

g2:3►

h2:10►

iEzek 16:36-37►

‏ Hosea 2:2-3

Summary for Hos 2:2-23: 2:2-23 ^a bring charges against Israel: At first glance, the Lord, as the aggrieved husband, appears to be issuing a bill of divorce against his unfaithful spouse, Israel (see Deut 24:1 ^b). As the passage continues, however, it becomes clear that God’s purpose in this lawsuit is not divorce, but reconciliation (Hos 2:14-23 ^c). God’s case against Israel is intended to awaken Israel to her sin and offer her a chance to return to her true husband. The Lord’s desire for reconciliation with Israel is all the more surprising inasmuch as the law stipulated the death penalty for an adulterous spouse (Deut 22:22 ^d; see also Gen 38:24 ^e; Lev 21:9 ^f).
2:3 ^g The Lord warns unfaithful Israel that unless she repents and returns to her covenant partner, he will strip her ... naked (see also 2:10 ^h). Ezekiel also employs this image of judgment and shame (Ezek 16:36-37 ⁱ).