For the very first time of my walk with God, I'm reading the book of Hosea. And yes I can't really make much sense of what is happening in this passage, the only thing I'm comprehending in my little mind is this "unfaithful wife" who doesn't seem to be able to commit herself to her husband and be stable in her marriage, (this wife is most probably Israel and the husband is God)
What I need help in understanding is: How was idolatry introduced in Israel from the first place?
I thought that after the flood, everything was re-started all over through Noah's family when filling the earth. Noah was the man of God, right? Then how was Israel introduced to evil worship from the clean fresh start through Noah?
I really really appreciate your help fore it will help me understand better the passage of Hosea as I seek understanding who introduced the wife (Israel) to idolatry from the fist place?
I must say child of God, your thirst for biblical clarity and spiritual wisdom, is humbling yet inspiring! One thing you did get right was that the prophet Hosea's marriage to Gomer was God's way of "type and shadowing" the eventual "infidelity" and "whoredom" of the Israelites towards Him!
Which leads us to believe that God would never have instructed Hosea, a prophet, to take a prostitute as his wife! She more than likely began her dark journey of infidelity and prostitution after marrying Hosea.....again their climatic marriage only prophetically confirming Israel's fall and destruction in 722 B.C. Yet by God's longsuffering heart, mercy and grace Gomer was punished but restored as too was Israel!!!!
Your question as to how was Israel exposed to idolatry from even the time of Noah......all I can simply say from just being "human" is that the nature of man has and will always be "fallen", at least until Christ's return! O.T. Israel was surrounded by heathen nations that were practicing witchcraft and idol worshipping. With mixed marriages embraced, Israel knowingly or unknowingly (however you might want to see it), opened demonic floodgates!! The propensity to want needs met the "easy way", not God's way of pray, fasting and obedience to His Word, was just not popular. These practices only opened doors that the enemy just walked, no ran right in through!
The reality of God warning those that belong to Him to guard their hearts, speaks loud and clear here! Him being strict about us not being unequally yoke in marriage and not entertaining false gods, witchcraft and idolatry, is life and soul saving! With Israel's historical plights as a perfect example!! I pray this helps my friend, encouraging further investigation and study because the truth embraced in His Word can only bring wisdom and direction.....in Jesus Name!!
That was very helpful sis. Thanksgiving to you for helping me out! May God continue to unvail His hidden treasures to you.
There's something I seek to understand sis, (this may deviate a little from our current discussion about the book of Hosea). What I've been seeking to understand most about marriage is, 'Why is God saying in the book of Genesis 2:24, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife.."?
Why is it important so much that a man leaves his father inparticular? It's not like God didn't know that man was gonna fall short of His grace and submit to sin. He knew exactly that this prophecy of man leave his father was directly dedicated to His precious son Jesus who had to leave peace, joy, treasures, pleasures of being worshiped and served by angels and most of all leaving His father (God) and submit to death just so His father can give His access to His wife (the church) that He earned very hard through the cross.
What better example do we have as humans and the church it self, other than learning from our very creator Himself? Can anyone claim to know any better about marriage anyway?
How does this then affect and influence our fellow brothers in Christ... Them having to leave their fathers and mothers for our sake? What is it about parents that they should be left for the wife's sake?
Thank you sis for farther help (if you'll be able to help me once more in getting understanding of this before I get off line for further assignments and other commitments)
I enjoy interacting with you Joy and your humble spirit keeps me willing and looking forth interacting with you again.
>>Why is it important so much that a man leaves his father inparticular?
I know this is an ask a girl but I wanted to give my understanding on this mater.
I don't think it is the father in particular but collectively their parents. Men are to be head of their respective families as Christ is head of the church. When a man cleaves to his childhood parents, being the leader of his own family can be very difficult.
If you have ever known a "mama's boy" and watched them in a relationship, it becomes clear. The man can find themselves in constant conflict between his parents and his new wife. This can be especially a problem if the man grew up with controlling parents.
I would also like to point out that it does not say to cut contact with them. What men have to realize is that they are no longer a child and have moved into a new stage in life where they are peers with their parents. Parents also have to learn to let go and remember that their children have grown up. This can be an issue for both the father and the mother and their role in their children's life's have changed.
