Book of Hosea - Chapter 3 - Verse 3

The verse "And I said unto her, Thou shalt abide for me many days; thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not be for another man: so will I also be for thee." can be found in the book of Hosea in the Old Testament. In this verse, the prophet Hosea is conveying a message from God to the Israelites using the metaphor of marriage. The relationship between Hosea and his unfaithful wife, Gomer, symbolizes the unfaithfulness of the Israelites towards God. Just as Gomer had played the harlot and been with other men, the Israelites had turned away from God and worshipped other gods. However, despite their unfaithfulness, God promises to restore their relationship and show them love and mercy. By instructing Gomer to abide for many days without playing the harlot or being with another man, God is illustrating His faithfulness and desire for a restored relationship with the Israelites. This verse serves as a reminder of God's forgiveness and steadfast love towards His people, even in the face of their sinfulness.

When looking at the theological interpretation of Hosea 3:3, we see a powerful message of God's faithfulness and restoration. In this verse, God is speaking to the prophet Hosea about his relationship with his unfaithful wife, Gomer. The imagery of a marriage relationship is used to convey the intimate and unconditional love that God has for his people. Despite Gomer's unfaithfulness and harlotry, God still promises to restore their relationship and instructs her to remain faithful to him alone. This verse demonstrates God's desire for a faithful and exclusive relationship with his people, just as he remains committed to them. It is a reminder of God's grace, forgiveness, and his promise to never abandon his people, no matter how unfaithful they may be. Through this verse, we are reminded of the importance of remaining loyal to God and trusting in his steadfast love and faithfulness.