Hosea 3:2- “So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and about a homer and a lethek of barley.”
Extended Explanation
This verse continues the story of Hosea and his unfaithful wife, Gomer. God instructs Hosea to redeem her, symbolizing His own redemptive love for His people. Hosea’s purchase of Gomer demonstrates the cost of love and restoration. Despite Gomer’s betrayal and apparent unworthiness, Hosea pays a price to bring her back into his care.
The act of buying her back reflects a deliberate choice, an act of grace that mirrors how God willingly redeems His people from their sin. The specific details of the payment—silver and barley—highlight that the redemption was tangible, personal, and costly.
Historical Context
Hosea lived during a time when Israel was steeped in idolatry and unfaithfulness. The culture often treated women, particularly those involved in prostitution, as commodities. Gomer’s situation reflects both her personal brokenness and the larger spiritual condition of Israel.
The payment of fifteen shekels of silver and barley likely reflects a financial arrangement akin to the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32). This suggests that Gomer had fallen into a dire state, possibly sold into servitude or enslaved by her circumstances. Hosea’s willingness to pay for her freedom demonstrates God’s commitment to redeem His people, even when they have fallen to their lowest point.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals the profound truth about redemption—it comes at a cost. Hosea’s actions point to God’s willingness to pay the ultimate price to redeem humanity. It also highlights the unmerited nature of grace. Gomer had done nothing to earn Hosea’s love, yet he chose to act in obedience to God, demonstrating sacrificial love.
Hosea’s act of redemption underscores God’s sovereignty and compassion. It shows that God not only sees our brokenness but actively works to restore us, even when we are enslaved by our choices and sin.
Literary Analysis
The imagery in this verse is powerful and symbolic. The purchase price of silver and barley represents both the tangible and sacrificial nature of Hosea’s love. The specific mention of “fifteen shekels of silver and about a homer and a lethek of barley” gives the narrative a sense of authenticity and emphasizes the real cost of redemption.
The verse is written with an economy of words, yet each detail is laden with meaning. The act of buying Gomer back is both literal and figurative, representing God’s broader redemptive plan for His people.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 21:32 – The price of a slave, showing a parallel to the value of Hosea’s payment.
- Isaiah 55:1 – “Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost,” symbolizing God’s provision and redemption.
- 1 Peter 1:18-19 – “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed… but with the precious blood of Christ.”
- Romans 3:23-24 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
Hosea 3:2 is a vivid reminder of God’s willingness to go to great lengths to redeem His people. For Christians today, it challenges us to reflect on the cost of our redemption through Christ. Just as Hosea paid a price to bring Gomer back, Jesus paid the ultimate price with His life to save us.
This verse also encourages us to show grace and forgiveness to others, even when it costs us something. It calls us to live as people who have been redeemed, valuing others as God values us.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse is a testament to God’s love that seeks and redeems. It shows that God does not abandon His people, even when they have strayed far from Him. Instead, He actively pursues them, offering restoration and freedom. Hosea’s actions reflect God’s heart—a heart that is willing to pay the price for the unworthy because of His unwavering love.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Hosea’s act of redemption foreshadows the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ. Just as Hosea paid a tangible price to restore Gomer, Jesus gave His life to redeem humanity.
- John 10:11 – Jesus, the Good Shepherd, lays down His life for the sheep.
- Ephesians 1:7 – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”
- Matthew 20:28 – “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus’ sacrifice is the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, foreshadowed in Hosea’s love for Gomer.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Hosea’s willingness to redeem Gomer reflect God’s love for you?
- What does this verse teach you about the cost of redemption?
- Are there people in your life who need to experience grace and forgiveness?
- How does understanding the price Jesus paid for your redemption impact your daily life?
- In what ways can you reflect God’s redemptive love in your relationships?
This verse challenges us to marvel at the cost of redemption and to live in gratitude for the unearned, sacrificial love of God.