Hosea 1 - 7

The prophet Hosea is commanded to deliver not only a message with his words, but also a living example with his life.  He marries a woman of questionable character, fathers children named "God will scatter," "No mercy," and "Not my people" to demonstrate the actions God will take against His people.  God would not have mercy against His people who had acted unfaithfully towards Him, refusing the demonstrations of His love and faithfulness; but He would win back His beloved bride.  Hosea is commanded to buy back his wife from her harlotry as a picture of God's determination to do whatever was necessary to demonstrate His faithful patient love for His people.  There would be judgment for the committed sins but God would restore His bride to her position of honor if she would repent and turn from her adulterous actions.