Hosea 2:19-23

When we come to the end of ourself…we find God! 

When we finally realize that it is not about me but it is all about Him... and Him crucified for my sins...we have found everlasting truth. He gave His life for me and all who would accept Him as an eternal gift. What a glorious God we serve.

The betrothal was the legal moment before cohabitation when the dowry was paid to the father of the bride. In this remarriage the Lord gives the bride price to Israel herself “forever.” Justice and judgment refer to equity and fairness of conduct. The next two terms, “loyalty” (hesed), the steadfast love between the covenant partners, and “compassion,” maternal love are characteristic of Hosea.

Earlier, the name “Jezreel” telegraphed disaster and destruction. Now, the image is positive! God will plant and rebuild Israel. Faithlife Bible.

Betrothal was a binding commitment, the last step before the wedding and consummation. The Lord emphasized that the new marriage between Himself and Israel would be permanent. Lovingkindness means “devotion, commitment.” Israel would respond positively to the Lord’s love and acknowledge that He is her husband and benefactor. NKJ Bible.

Hosea 2:19-23 (Catholic Bible)

19

I will remove from her mouth the names of the Baals;

they shall no longer be mentioned by their name.

20

I will make a covenant for them on that day,

with the wild animals,

With the birds of the air,

and with the things that crawl on the ground.

Bow and sword and warfare

I will destroy from the land,

and I will give them rest in safety.

21

I will betroth you to me forever:

I will betroth you to me with^* justice and with judgment,

with loyalty and with compassion;

22

I will betroth you to me with fidelity,

and you shall know the LORD.

23

On that day I will respond—oracle of the LORD—

I will respond to the heavens,

and they will respond to the earth;

Hosea 2:19–23 (NKJV)

¹⁹ “I will betroth you to Me forever;

Yes, I will betroth you to Me

In righteousness and justice,

In lovingkindness and mercy;

²⁰ I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness,

And you shall know the Lord.

²¹ “It shall come to pass in that day

That I will answer,” says the Lord;

“I will answer the heavens,

And they shall answer the earth.

²² The earth shall answer

With grain,

With new wine,

And with oil;

They shall answer Jezreel.

²³ Then I will sow her for Myself in the earth,

And I will have mercy on her who had not obtained mercy;

Then I will say to those who were not My people,

‘You are My people!’

And they shall say, ‘You are my God!’ ”

Jeremiah 31:33 (NKJV)

³³ But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.