Hosea 2 (#2): In That Day
Hosea 2 (#2): In That Day
18. In that day I will make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the creeping things of the ground. And I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land, and I will make them lie down in safety.
19. And I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy.
20. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord.
23. And I will sow her for myself in the land. And I will have mercy on No Mercy, and I will say to Not My People, ‘You are my people’; and he shall say, ‘You are my God.’”
◇ Late last night, I read a breaking news alert: The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Hamas officials. The Gaza war between Israel and Hamas, ongoing for over 13 months, has reportedly claimed more than 44,000 lives. Arrest warrants have been issued for leaders on both sides. It’s a shame that these warrants lack the power to be immediately enforced.
In the latter part of verse 18, God promises to break the bow and sword, to end war in the land, and to let people lie down in peace. This promise isn’t just for humans, but also for the wild animals, the birds of the air, and the creatures that crawl on the ground. I yearn for the swift fulfillment of this divine promise.
Hosea tries to persuade Gomer, who has left him for another lover, to return. He uses strong words, even threats, but ultimately seeks to restore their relationship. This reflects God’s own heart and plan for Israel, who has strayed to worship Baal.
On the day Israel returns, on the day the relationship is restored, war will cease, and peace will prevail. God will take on the role of a husband, relating to them with righteousness, justice, steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness (19-20). And this isn't just for Israel. God will also bring those who were not His people into His family.
<In that day> war will cease, creation will find its peace, and all people will become God’s people.
<In that day> all of creation will be one in God, as it was in the beginning.
I long for the swift restoration of that day when God created and saw that it was good. I pray first for the end of the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.
♧ God of justice and mercy, bring a swift end to war. Show us your justice and compassion. Holy Spirit, guide us into truth. Amen.