Hosea starts the prophecy with his invitation to return to the Lord. The affliction they now suffer is only for a short time, and as Christ brought us into a complete restoration through his resurrection, we will also live in the presence of God. God’s love and grace are persistent like the rising sun and copious like the spring rain (2).

However, the present state of Judah and Israel was far from God’s character. They may have brought elaborate offerings but did not worship God with the right heart (6). They were unfaithful in keeping the covenant God had given them. Their cities were full of robbers, slanderers, and murderers. The prostitution Hosea mentions here may mean idolatry, but they were sexually immoral as well, and it was happening in the most grotesque forms in their shrines (10).

They were already suffering from the consequences of their sins, but God’s punishment for them was also coming. Hosea understood that God's judgment upon his people was an expression of his mercy and a prelude to the restoration of their relationship (11).
Application: Father, your love and grace for me is like the rising sun and spring rain. Thank you for disciplining me to turn away from the sin that the world offers and come to you. Help me hold to your words and discipline me to take the right way.
One Word: Return to the Lord.