Hosea 2:7
Hosea 2:7 in Multiple Translations
She will pursue her lovers but not catch them; she will seek them but not find them. Then she will say, ‘I will return to my first husband, for then I was better off than now.’
And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them; and she shall seek them, but shall not find them: then shall she say, I will go and return to my first husband; for then was it better with me than now.
And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them; and she shall seek them, but shall not find them: then shall she say, I will go and return to my first husband; for then was it better with me than now.
And if she goes after her lovers she will not overtake them; if she makes search for them she will not see them; then will she say, I will go back to my first husband, for then it was better for me than now.
When she runs after her lovers she won't catch up with them; she'll look for them but she won't find them. Then she'll say, ‘Let me go back to my former husband, because it was better for me then than now.’
Though shee follow after her louers, yet shall shee not come at them: though shee seeke them, yet shall shee not finde them: then shall she say, I will goe and returne to my first husband: for at that time was I better then nowe.
And she hath pursued her lovers, And she doth not overtake them, And hath sought them, and doth not find, And she hath said: I go, and I turn back unto My first husband, For — better to me then than now.
She will follow after her lovers, but she won’t overtake them; and she will seek them, but won’t find them. Then she will say, ‘I will go and return to my first husband, for then it was better with me than now.’
And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them; and she shall seek them, but shall not find them : then shall she say, I will go and return to my first husband; for then was it better with me than now.
And she shall follow after her lovers, and shall not overtake them: and she shall seek them, and shall not find, and she shall say: I will go, and return to my first husband, because it was better with me then, than now.
They will run to their idols/gods that they think love them, but they will not find them. They will search for their false gods, but they will not find them. Then they will say, ‘Perhaps we should return to Yahweh, whom we worshiped previously [MET], because things were better for us then than they are now.’
Berean Amplified Bible — Hosea 2:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Hosea 2:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
זָֽנְתָה֙
אִמָּ֔/ם
הֹבִ֖ישָׁה
הֽוֹרָתָ֑/ם
כִּ֣י
אָמְרָ֗ה
אֵלְכָ֞ה
אַחֲרֵ֤י
מְאַהֲבַ/י֙
נֹתְנֵ֤י
לַחְמִ/י֙
וּ/מֵימַ֔/י
צַמְרִ֣/י
וּ/פִשְׁתִּ֔/י
שַׁמְנִ֖/י
וְ/שִׁקּוּיָֽ/י
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
זָֽנְתָה֙
zânâh
H2181
to fornicate
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
אִמָּ֔/ם
ʼêm
H517
mother
N-fs | Suff
הֹבִ֖ישָׁה
yâbêsh
H3001
to wither
V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs
הֽוֹרָתָ֑/ם
hârâh
H2029
to conceive
V-Qal | Suff
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אָמְרָ֗ה
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
אֵלְכָ֞ה
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
אַחֲרֵ֤י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
מְאַהֲבַ/י֙
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Piel | Suff
נֹתְנֵ֤י
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal
לַחְמִ/י֙
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs | Suff
וּ/מֵימַ֔/י
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Conj | N-mp | Suff
צַמְרִ֣/י
tsemer
H6785
wool
N-ms | Suff
וּ/פִשְׁתִּ֔/י
pishteh
H6593
flax
Conj | N-ms | Suff
שַׁמְנִ֖/י
shemen
H8081
oil
N-ms | Suff
וְ/שִׁקּוּיָֽ/י
shiqqûwy
H8250
drink
Conj | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Hosea 2:7
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
זָֽנְתָה֙
zânâh
H2181
"to fornicate"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To fornicate means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, often used to describe idolatry in the Bible. It can also refer to a person being a cult prostitute or causing others to be unfaithful.
Definition: 1) to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication 1a2) to commit adultery 1a3) to be a cult prostitute 1a4) to be unfaithful (to God) (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to play the harlot 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to commit adultery 1c2) to force into prostitution 1c3) to commit fornication
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) commit fornication, [idiom] continually, [idiom] great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish. See also: Genesis 34:31; Isaiah 57:3; Psalms 73:27.
אִמָּ֔/ם
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
הֹבִ֖ישָׁה
yâbêsh
H3001
"to wither"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to wither or dry up, like a plant without water. It can also mean to be ashamed or disappointed. The Bible uses it to describe things that have lost their freshness or vitality.
Definition: 1) to make dry, wither, be dry, become dry, be dried up, be withered 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be dry, be dried up, be without moisture 1a2) to be dried up 1b) (Piel) to make dry, dry up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to dry up, make dry 1c1a) to dry up (water) 1c1b) to make dry, wither 1c1c) to exhibit dryness
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: be ashamed, clean, be confounded, (make) dry (up), (do) shame(-fully), [idiom] utterly, wither (away). See also: Genesis 8:7; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalms 22:16.
הֽוֹרָתָ֑/ם
hârâh
H2029
"to conceive"
V-Qal | Suff
To conceive or become pregnant, as seen in the story of Sarah and Abraham in Genesis 17, where Sarah conceives Isaac in her old age. This word is used to describe the miracle of birth and new life.
Definition: 1) to conceive, become pregnant, bear, be with child, be conceived, progenitor 1a)(Qal) to conceive, become pregnant 1b) (Pual) to be conceived 1c) (Poel) to conceive, contrive, devise
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: been, be with child, conceive, progenitor. See also: Genesis 4:1; Numbers 11:12; Psalms 7:15.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אָמְרָ֗ה
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵלְכָ֞ה
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
אַחֲרֵ֤י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
מְאַהֲבַ/י֙
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Piel | Suff
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
נֹתְנֵ֤י
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לַחְמִ/י֙
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
וּ/מֵימַ֔/י
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
צַמְרִ֣/י
tsemer
H6785
"wool"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to wool, like the kind used to make warm clothing, and is also used to describe something white or woolly.
Definition: 1) wool 1a) wool 1b) whiteness (metaph.) 1c) wool (in garments) Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (עֲמַר "wool" H6015)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: wool(-len). See also: Leviticus 13:47; Proverbs 31:13; Psalms 147:16.
וּ/פִשְׁתִּ֔/י
pishteh
H6593
"flax"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to flax, a plant used to make linen thread. It is mentioned in Exodus 9 as part of the plague of hail that damaged the flax crops in Egypt. The word is about a natural resource used for clothing.
Definition: 1) flax, linen 1a) fibre used as material for garments
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: flax, linen. See also: Leviticus 13:47; Proverbs 31:13; Isaiah 19:9.
שַׁמְנִ֖/י
shemen
H8081
"oil"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for oil, often referring to olive oil, which was highly valued in ancient times. It symbolizes richness, anointing, and healing, and is used in various biblical contexts, including rituals and medicinal practices.
Definition: 1) fat, oil 1a) fat, fatness 1b) oil, olive oil 1b1) as staple, medicament or unguent 1b2) for anointing 1c) fat (of fruitful land, valleys) (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 176 OT verses. KJV: anointing, [idiom] fat (things), [idiom] fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, [phrase] pine. See also: Genesis 28:18; Deuteronomy 8:8; Psalms 23:5.
וְ/שִׁקּוּיָֽ/י
shiqqûwy
H8250
"drink"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a drink or something that refreshes, like a cool beverage on a hot day, as seen in the Bible's promise of spiritual refreshment.
Definition: drink, refreshment Also means: shiq.quv (שִׁקֻּו "drink" H8249)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: drink, marrow. See also: Proverbs 3:8; Hosea 2:7.
Study Notes — Hosea 2:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Hosea 2:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Hosea 2:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hosea 2:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hosea 2:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Hosea 2:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Hosea 2:7
- Cambridge Bible on Hosea 2:7
- Barnes' Notes on Hosea 2:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Hosea 2:7
- Sermons on Hosea 2:7
Context — Israel’s Adultery Rebuked
5For their mother has played the harlot and has conceived them in disgrace. For she thought, ‘I will go after my lovers, who give me bread and water, wool and linen, oil and drink.’
6Therefore, behold, I will hedge up her path with thorns; I will enclose her with a wall, so she cannot find her way.
7She will pursue her lovers but not catch them; she will seek them but not find them. Then she will say, ‘I will return to my first husband, for then I was better off than now.’
8For she does not acknowledge that it was I who gave her grain, new wine, and oil, who lavished on her silver and gold— which they crafted for Baal. 9Therefore I will take back My grain in its time and My new wine in its season; I will take away My wool and linen, which were given to cover her nakedness.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 2:2 | “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says: ‘I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. |
| 2 | Hosea 5:13 | When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, then Ephraim turned to Assyria and sent to the great king. But he cannot cure you or heal your wound. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 23:4 | The older was named Oholah, and her sister was named Oholibah. They became Mine and gave birth to sons and daughters. As for their identities, Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem. |
| 4 | Luke 15:17–20 | Finally he came to his senses and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have plenty of food? But here I am, starving to death! I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. |
| 5 | Hosea 13:6 | When they had pasture, they became satisfied; when they were satisfied, their hearts became proud, and as a result they forgot Me. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 14:22 | Can the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies alone send showers? Is this not by You, O LORD our God? So we put our hope in You, for You have done all these things. |
| 7 | Psalms 116:7 | Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. |
| 8 | Daniel 5:21 | He was driven away from mankind, and his mind was like that of a beast. He lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he acknowledged that the Most High God rules over the kingdom of mankind, setting over it whom He wishes. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 3:22–25 | “Return, O faithless children, and I will heal your faithlessness.” “Here we are. We come to You, for You are the LORD our God. Surely deception comes from the hills, and commotion from the mountains. Surely the salvation of Israel is in the LORD our God. From our youth, that shameful god has consumed what our fathers have worked for— their flocks and herds, their sons and daughters. Let us lie down in our shame; let our disgrace cover us. We have sinned against the LORD our God, both we and our fathers; from our youth even to this day we have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.” |
| 10 | Hosea 5:15–1 | — |
Hosea 2:7 Summary
[This verse is saying that when we chase after things that are not God, we will ultimately be disappointed and unsatisfied, and we will realize that we were better off with God in the first place, as seen in Psalm 16:11 and Jeremiah 2:13. It's a call to return to our 'first love', which is God, and to remember the good things He has done for us, as stated in Psalm 103:2 and Deuteronomy 8:2-5. Just like the nation of Israel, we can get caught up in pursuing things that seem appealing, but ultimately lead to emptiness and hardship, and it's only when we return to God that we can experience true fulfillment and restoration, as seen in Romans 11:29 and 2 Corinthians 7:10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the spiritual significance of the 'first husband' in Hosea 2:7?
The 'first husband' refers to God Himself, who was Israel's first love and provider, as seen in Exodus 19:5 and Deuteronomy 32:9, before they turned to idolatry and other lovers for comfort and provision.
Why does God allow Israel to experience hardship and separation from their lovers?
God allows this to happen so that Israel will realize their sin and return to Him, as stated in Hosea 2:7, and as seen in the pattern of discipline and restoration throughout the Bible, such as in Leviticus 26:40-42 and Deuteronomy 30:1-3.
Is this verse only applicable to the nation of Israel, or can it be applied to individual believers as well?
While the immediate context of Hosea 2:7 is the nation of Israel, the spiritual principles of returning to one's 'first love' can be applied to individual believers, as seen in Revelation 2:4-5, where Jesus calls the church to return to their first love.
How does this verse relate to the concept of repentance and restoration in the Bible?
Hosea 2:7 illustrates the concept of repentance and restoration, where God's people turn away from sin and back to God, and He welcomes them back and restores their relationship, as seen in 1 John 1:9 and Luke 15:11-24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'lovers' in my life that I have been pursuing for comfort and provision, instead of turning to God?
- In what ways have I experienced the 'thorns' and 'wall' of God's discipline in my life, and how have I responded to it?
- What does it mean for me to 'return to my first husband' in my walk with God, and what steps can I take to do so?
- How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence and provision in my life, so that I am not tempted to turn to other 'lovers' for comfort and satisfaction?
Gill's Exposition on Hosea 2:7
And she shall follow after her lovers,.... Before mentioned; that is, in her affections and desires, with great eagerness and earnestness, as men pursue what they are bent upon; otherwise, being
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hosea 2:7
Therefore, behold, I will hedge up thy way with thorns, and make a wall, that she shall not find her paths.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hosea 2:7
And she, hedged in with many and great distresses, when under the judgments of God, shall follow after her lovers; with earnest travel, and with wearisome toil, she shall attempt every way to get to them, but to no purpose: afflictions and sorrows surround Israel; these Israel can by no means break out of to these lovers, and they, like false lovers, hasten as fast and as far from this adulteress as they can. Her lovers, idols and idolaters, her false friends, and falser gods. She shall not overtake them; they which hasten after such strange gods and helps, as this shameless harlot, shall meet with sorrow, but never overtake their desired help. She shall seek them; as is the manner of immodest strumpets; it speaks also her obstinate resolution in her way: so Israel forsook a God that would have sought him to do him good, and by no disappointments would be (for a long time) taken off from this frantic wildness, of seeking to idols that could do him no good. But shall not find them; the final issue of all is at last, she is wearied in her folly, tired with fruitless labour, and sits down hopeless of ever finding help from idols and idolaters. Then shall she say; as the prodigal, first think well on it, next resolve with herself. I will go and return; restless, she will try one way more; happy she if she had tried this sooner, this would have been successful; she will return, come back, and seek to her Husband. To my first Husband, i.e. God, who had married Israel to himself, who was her Husband indeed: all others were as adulterers, as deceivers and seducers, who abuse the credulity of wanton women first, and next abuse their husbands’ beds. For then was it better with me than now: how much the tune is changed!
In , all her gallantry, her feasts, her rich apparel, these are gifts of her lovers; not a word of her Husband’ s greatest kindnesses. But now she sees and confesseth the least of her Husband’ s kindnesses was better than the greatest kindness of these her paramours, and at worst with her Husband she was better than at best with adulterers.
Trapp's Commentary on Hosea 2:7
Hosea 2:7 And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them; and she shall seek them, but shall not find [them]: then shall she say, I will go and return to my first husband; for then [was it] better with me than now.Ver. 7. And she shall follow after her lovers] Follow them hot foot, pursue them eagerly and earnestly, as the hunter doth his game, or the pursuivant the party to be arrested; so little was she bettered by her former sufferings. Thus the blind Sodomites continue groping still for the door as if they were ambitious of destruction, which was now even at next door by. And thus Pharaoh, that sturdy rebel, rageth against God, and menaceth Moses with death, then, when that palpable gross darkness was upon him. This was one of those wild bulls in a net that was full of the fury of the Lord, Isaiah 51:20. He was full of it, and yet lay raging against it, adding impatience to his impenitence, and passive disobedience to his active. Another bull of the same breed was Ahaziah, who sent a third captain after the two former had been consumed with fire from heaven; as if he would despitefully spit in the face of heaven, and wrestle a fall with the Almighty. And a third was that stubborn stigmatic Ahaz, who the more he was distressed the more he trespassed: "This is that king Ahaz," 2 Chronicles 28:22. These men lost the fruit of their afflictions; which indeed was a great loss, but that they were not sensible of it ( Perdidistis fructum afflictionis. Aug.).
Those that belong to God shall have stroke upon stroke, one cross in the neck of another, till they be kindly humbled, and brought home to their first busband. God will strike a parting blow between them and their sweethearts; and make them pollute the idols which they had once perfumed, Isaiah 30:22. She shall follow them, but she shall not overtake them] Persequetur, sed non assequetur. She shall meet with disappointment, but it shall be in mercy: she shall be crossed with a blessing, chastened by the Lord, that she may not be condemned with the world. She shall seek for favour and help from her sweethearts’ hands, but all in vain, they shall all forsake her, and shall change their ancient love into mortal hatred, Jeremiah 2:36 Ezekiel 36:17. It is the usual practice of the devil and his instruments to bring men into the briars, and there to leave them to shift as they can: thus the Pharisees dealt by Judas; "What is that to us?" say they; "see thou to that," Matthew 27:4 : they left him when they had led him to his bane; like as familiars leave their witches, when they have once brought them into fetters. God dealeth not so with any of his, when he is most angry.
Ellicott's Commentary on Hosea 2:7
(6-7) Contains a brief introductory prelude, summarizing the general contents of Hos 2:8-23. Jehovah addresses the adulterous wife: “I will erect impassable barriers that shall pierce and mangle her flesh. The path of evil shall be a path of thorns.” Hedge up . . . and make a wall.—In accordance with most Hebrew texts, the literal rendering is, wall up her wall. Here, again, we have a sudden change of person. She shall . . .—She may anticipate in her exile closer proximity to her idol-lovers, but in respect of national prosperity or religious satisfaction she will make complete mistake.
Cambridge Bible on Hosea 2:7
7. not overtake … not find them] Because the sense of the mystic nearness of the Baalim, formerly enjoyed by their worshippers, will have disappeared together with the prosperity which they were imagined to have granted; prayers and sacrifices will have lost their supposed efficacy. I will go and return] Rather, Let me go and return. A resolution which strikingly resembles that of the Jews in Upper Egypt in the time of Jeremiah, who persisted in worshipping the Queen of Heaven, on the ground that when they had worshipped her in former times ‘they had plenty of food, and were well, and saw no evil’ (Jeremiah 44:17). Israel’s language here reminds us of a later parallel passage (Hosea 6:1-3); it is not so much the expression of penitence, as of a longing to escape from the sense of misery. then was it better with me than now] For, after all, Israel was better off materially at the opening of her national existence. She had not indeed as yet appropriated the good things of Canaanitish civilization; but her independence was secured, and she had a bright horizon of hope.
Barnes' Notes on Hosea 2:7
And she shall follow after - The words rendered “follow after and seek” (רדך, בקשׁ) are intensive and express “eager, vehement pursuit,” and “diligent search.” They express, together, a pursuit,
Whedon's Commentary on Hosea 2:7
The evil consequences and punishment of Israel’s faithlessness, Hosea 2:6-13.6, 7. I will hedge up — Israel will be like a wanderer whose progress is suddenly hindered by a thorn hedge.
Sermons on Hosea 2:7
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Every Twig Has a Voice! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of listening to God's voice through afflictions, likening them to a rod that speaks to the soul. He urges Christians to remain silent and |
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What Type of Relationship Do You Have With the Lord? by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the necessity of undergoing deep personal suffering to effectively minister for God, emphasizing that the methods of teaching vary for each individual. Using |
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Your First Love by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into Revelation chapter 2, focusing on the message to the church of Ephesus about their loss of first love for Jesus. It emphasizes the importance of repentance, |
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The Good Way by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of returning to our first love for God. He encourages the congregation to turn off distractions like television and prioritize |
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(Saved Through the Fire) 14 - the Escaped Remnant by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding fast to the word of God and keeping His commandments to avoid destruction. He encourages the listeners to acquire |
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Come Up Higher, Part 2 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker urges listeners to take their commitment to the Lord seriously. They emphasize the importance of not only avoiding sin and wickedness but also actively |
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With or Without God by Matthew Little | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the devotion and departure of Israel. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a genuine and passionate relationship with God, rather tha |