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Hosea was a prophet whose ministry lasted approximately 40 years. His focus was on the northern kingdom, Israel, and the judgment of God brought on by the Assyrians. The details of his message, however, are often eclipsed by his strange action in marrying an “adulterous wife”.

In Hosea, God command Hosea, “Go, take to yourself an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the LORD” (Hosea 1:2). Hosea responded by marrying Gomer, who indeed was an adulterous wife.

This instruction from God has posed a problem for many. Would God really ask someone to do such a thing? Some suggest that the apparent actions of Hosea should be understood, not as literal, but symbolic. What do you think?