THEMES FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT (a) Relate the story of Hosea's marriage to Gomer ( 9 marks ) (b) Mention three factors that ensure a stable marriage ( 6 mark...

(a) The story of Hosea's marriage to Gomer

God commanded the prophet Hosea to take a wife of harlotry and to have children of harlotry, saying, "for the land commits great harlotry by forsaking the LORD." This marriage was to be a living parable of the relationship between God and unfaithful Israel.

Hosea obeyed and married Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim. Gomer conceived and bore him a son. The LORD instructed Hosea to name him Jezreel, for God would soon punish the house of Jehu for the bloodshed at Jezreel and would break the bow of Israel.

Gomer conceived again and bore a daughter. God told Hosea to name her Lo-ruhamah ("not pitied"), for the LORD would no longer have pity on the house of Israel to forgive them, though He would have pity on Judah.

After weaning Lo-ruhamah, Gomer conceived and bore another son. God said his name should be Lo-ammi ("not my people"), for they were not God's people and He was not their God.

In time Gomer proved unfaithful and went after other lovers, playing the harlot. Yet God commanded Hosea, "Go again, love a woman who is beloved of a paramour and is an adulteress, even as the LORD loves the people of Israel." So Hosea bought her back for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a half of barley, and told her to dwell with him and not play the harlot, and he would be faithful to her.

The whole marriage symbolised God's steadfast, redeeming love for Israel despite her spiritual adultery (idolatry). Just as Hosea took Gomer back, God promised to restore Israel: the names would be reversed, so that Lo-ammi would be called "sons of the living God" and Lo-ruhamah would obtain pity.

(b) Three factors that ensure a stable marriage

1. Mutual love and faithfulness: Husband and wife must love and remain faithful to each other, avoiding adultery and unfaithfulness that destroy trust.
2. Effective communication and mutual understanding: Partners who discuss issues, tolerate each other's weaknesses and forgive offences build a lasting home.
3. Shared faith and the fear of God: A couple who worship together and keep God's commandments enjoy His guidance and are helped to live in peace and self-control.