Hosea 3:3

"So I bought her for myself for fifteen pieces of silver and a homer and a half of barley."

Key Reflection

In Hosea 3:3, God uses the prophet to symbolically purchase his unfaithful wife, representing Israel, for a significant sum—fifteen pieces of silver and a homer and a half of barley. This transaction serves as a vivid illustration of God’s persistent love despite Israel’s repeated infidelity, highlighting both the costliness and the depth of divine commitment in restoring a broken relationship.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Thou shalt abide for me many days -Literally, “thou shalt sit,” solitary and as a widowDeuteronomy 21:13, quiet and sequestered; not going after others, as heretofore, but waiting for him;Exodus 24:14;Jeremiah 3:2); and “that,” for an undefined, but long season, until he should come and take her to himself. And thou shalt not be for another man -Literally, “and thou shalt not be to a man,” i. e., not even to thine own man or husband. She was to remain without following sin, yet without restoration to conjugal rights. Her husband would be her guardian; but as yet, no more. So will “I also be for thee or toward thee.” He does not say “to thee,” so as to belong to her, but “toward thee;” i.

More from Hosea 3

1 2 3 4 5 6

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion