Hope for the Future
Text: Hosea 2:14-23 Date: 4-19-26
The wilderness to the Jews reminded them of the escape from Egypt’s slavery and a wandering in the heat and lack of comfort near Sinai. The wilderness was where the covenant was given to Moses, the law with its commandments. Here in this different wilderness, God would speak comfortably, tenderly, and lovingly. This would be a second exodus, that of from the slavery to Baal.
Quote: “The comfort consists in speaking of words that will fall upon the heart with pleasure, comfort, and refreshment, to encourage and cheer the heart like gentle rain falling upon the ground (Hos. 2:14)” (Young 20).
Application: The comparison is a vivid one: once the sin of Achan was dealt with, the nation continued in its conquest. Once the nation’s sin would be dealt with, and repentance offered to God, the Lord would restore His people. The nation would sing over the deliverance by God just like they had when He brought them out of Egypt. This door would be open to having a new relationship with Jehovah God. See Isa. 65:10 – Achor. Restoration will come, but only on God’s terms.
2. Promise of eradication of false gods(Hosea 2:16-17)
This is indicative that false worship will be no more. Every facet of idolatry, its existence, its influence, and its power will be removed forever. The nation will have a restored relationship with the Lord and will lift Him up alone in worship.
This removal of idolatry is the only pathway to a true relationship with the Lord.
3. Promise of safety (Hosea 2:18)
A day is coming when a new covenant will bring the earth to its proper restoration place. Israel will hold sway over creation based on this covenant.
Micah 4:4 says: “But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; And none shall make them afraid: For the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.” See Isa. 2:4
4. Promise of a new marriage (Hosea 2:19-20)
This new covenant will restore the marriage relationship with His people. God’s love for His prodigal people is so strong that He will abolish war, the animals will submit to mankind, and a great marriage will take place. The betrothal describes the restoration process and treats the marriage as a completed event.
Look at how this betrothal is described. 1) The betrothal will be forever. 2) The betrothal will be based solely upon the character of God alone. The covenant is based on God’s righteousness, and that will be on full display in the millennial kingdom. 3) The covenant will also be based on the very heart of God: His lovingkindness (hesed) and His mercies. 4) This betrothal will be all about God’s faithfulness (v. 20).
5. Promise of a great harvest (Hosea 2:21-22a)
God will respond to the cries of the heavens (may be a reference to prayers ascending to the heavens) and earth and restore the land and the crops (vs. 22a). Could Baal answer in this way? No, but Jehovah could – and would – bring a total renewal to the land.
6. Promise of new names (Hosea 2:22b-23)
Remember what Jezreel means? Jezreel means: God sows or God gives seed. This time God will not sow judgment, but blessings.
Conclusion: Every single curse will be changed into blessing. Therefore, we can say unequivocally that the valley of Achor will be turned into a Door of Hope!