Hi, Jinna,
Hosea is a short book but packed with so much Word, I'm still digesting..a familiar Book that's new to me
Yes I believe his wife was symbolic of Israel. It's all about God's relationship with His people; the iniquity, the rebellion, the insincerity of Israel's repentance, all were seen through Hosea's relationship with his harlot wife, so that he can understand fully God's relationship with Israel. Even when his wife left to go back to her whoring ways (Israel's apostasy and seeking other idols), Hosea still loved her, still cared and provided for her - though she didn't know it. This is going on now, in the House of God.
God not only loves His People, despite their whore-mongering; He yearns for them. He still provides for them, even if they don't pray, humble themselves, turn away from iniquity. That hurt, to love someone who doesn't love you back. I've been there in past relationships. But a people who are defiant and refused to obey are entreated to return to God --- spelled out in Chapter 13. (Hmmm... funny correlation to filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy huh? LOL) OK, I'm being silly here. But my point is, God won't strive with Israel for long; Israel is indebted to God for her ungratefulness. She still has time to repent.
I believe, though, we are really close to the end of the ages... most if not all prophecies are already fulfilled, so it's not a matter of how much longer, but
when. Have mercy on our souls... I've often used the Scripture to say He is coming back for a church without spot or wrinkle -- and I believe this to be the Remnant mentioned in Revelations 12:17
And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
So, wouldn't you say the Remnant exists... that God already has His Church without spot or wrinkle?
Oh - Funny thing while reading Hosea with my nephew. We were reading on chapter 6, and when we read verses 9 and 10, my nephew asked "Oh, like that Eddie Long dude"... I had to pause.
I don't talk with him about all this stuff going on with The Church, but I'm not surprised at his wisdom. That came from within him. We pray for wisdom and discernment before reading and thank God for wisdom after reading. Last night we started on King Salomon's reign (1 Kings 3) and my nephew enjoyed the story of the two harlots who came before the new king, fighting over that baby. That Scripture on the surface is what it is, but I also believe that it is a great Scripture for parents and how important it is to keep their children from being snatched by death (both figuratively and literally). We had a healthy discussion after that, too. I had to assure him I'd do anything I could to keep him from being killed, anything, because I loved him. It ties in nicely with Hosea. So I know he's "getting it".
I'd love to hear your take on Hosea as well..
We've been slow to studying but are committed with the schedule.. how's your reading going?