Hosea 2 Commentary

In Hosea 2, the Suzerain God confronts His faithless wife, Israel, for going after Baal and her lovers. Israel mistakenly thinks her lovers provide for her, but it is the LORD who has been providing for all her needs. Because of this misunderstanding on Israel's part, the LORD will strip her of all her material possessions to cause her to realize her guilt. Nevertheless, because of His love and compassion, the LORD will one day restore Israel's possessions to her and have compassion on her. He will reverse all the curses that fall on Israel and sow her for Himself in the land. The chapter can be outlined as follows:

• The LORD anticipates a time when He will once again accept Israel as His people and have compassion on them (v. 1).
•  The LORD urges His children to denounce their mother for her shameful behavior, lest they follow her and fall under the same judgment that awaits her (vv. 2-5).
• The LORD describes His judgment on Israel because she goes after other gods. Since Israel credits the fertility gods such as Baal for providing for her needs, the Suzerain God declares that He will prevent her from all means of access to cause her to return to Him (vv. 6-13).
• The LORD promises to restore Israel along with her fortunes. He will reverse all the curses that fall on her and sow her for Himself in the land (vv. 14-23).