Hosea 1-5

“I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, in lovingkindness and compassion … ” (3:19-20). Because Israel and Judah lacked these basic virtues (righteousness, justice, etc.), Hosea prophesied that they would suffer punishment. God told Hosea to marry a prostitute to demonstrate His love for unfaithful Israel, despite the broken covenant, and that one day He would “betroth” Israel to Himself again. Secure in that new covenant of love, His redeemed people would declare: “You are my God!” (v23).

Though we were all covenant-breakers, Christ loved us, redeemed us, and made us His Bride – completely holy in God’s sight.