At the beginning of this book, Hosea is commanded by God to marry an adulterous woman named Gomer who would be an unfaithful wife to Hosea. His marriage was to be an object lesson for Israel, the adulterous kingdom which had been unfaithful to God. As with the story of Hosea, the story of God and Israel is one of one-sided love.
Hosea continues to love his wife in the midst of her consistent and ugly adultery. Gomer bears him three children, all given names as signs to Israel: Jezreel ("God Scatters"), Lo-Ruhamah ("Not Pitied"), and Lo-Ammi ("Not My People"). Gomer will eventually be wooed back by Hosea's love and into a faithful marriage.
After making the illustration, Hosea turns his attention directly to Israel's sin and applies the illustration. Israel has rejected the great love of God and will reap the fruit of her adultery. But because of God's endless love, he will eventually save and restore his wayward people.
