Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Hosea - Chapter 2 - Verse 2

2:2
Plead with your mother, plead: for she is not my wife, neither am I her husband: let her therefore put away her whoredoms out of her sight, and her adulteries from between her breasts;

Meaning

In this verse, the prophet Hosea uses the metaphor of a broken marriage to describe the relationship between God and the unfaithful nation of Israel. The imagery of a wife committing adultery and bearing children of harlotry represents Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry. The call to plead with the mother, symbolic of Israel, emphasizes God's desire for reconciliation and redemption. By urging Israel to put away her whoredoms and adulteries, God is calling for repentance and a turning away from sin. This verse highlights the importance of repentance and reconciliation in the relationship between God and His people. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His desire for a renewed and faithful relationship with His chosen people.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the prophet Hosea uses vivid imagery to convey a powerful message to the people of Israel. The metaphor of a marriage relationship is used to illustrate the covenant between God and His people. God likens Himself to a husband and Israel to a wayward wife who has abandoned Him for other gods. The language of 'whoredoms' and 'adulteries' is used to emphasize the severity of Israel's unfaithfulness and idolatry. The plea for the mother to put away her sins highlights God's desire for His people to repent and turn back to Him. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the significance of faithfulness in the relationship between God and His people. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of repentance in restoring the bond with Him.

American Standard Version

Contend with your mother, contend; for she is not my wife, neither am I her husband; and let her put away her whoredoms from her face, and her adulteries from between her breasts;
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