This “behold” certainly gives us pause. Outraged with Israel who has backslidden grievously and worshipped idols, God now says to His people through the prophet Hosea, “Therefore…” We might expect Him to follow with, “I will cut her off completely.” But astoundingly, the Lord speaks to His beloved ones in one of the greatest outpourings of love to His people in the whole Bible!


He will be gracious to her like a lover and “allure her” into the wilderness where nothing distracts her. There He utters loving words to His wayward people, “speaking home into the heart” (Hebrew for “comfortably”).


He promises to make the valley of Achor the “Door of Hope.” Achor is where Achan, incurring the wrath of the Lord for disobedience, was stoned to death. The Lord is saying that He will take their punishment and assure them of redemption.


The metaphors and pictures throughout the Bible speak volumes to our hearts, too, centuries after the days of Hosea. Your Savior is calling you to redemption and hope as well.