A verse reveals GOD’s equality in marriage
There are so many verses that create controversy between man and woman over equality, submission and the like.
I’m going to dwell at Hosea 2:16 today, just for a moment. This is for your reflection and consideration.
Hosea 2:16 says, ““And it shall be, in that day,” says the LORD, “that you will call Me My Husband and no longer call Me My Master.””
We know that we are the bride of Christ, called so because of the references Jesus uses toward us as his bride. In Matthew 25, with the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, Jesus provides this familiar point of reference.
But in Hosea, we are spoken of as the bride of Almighty GOD.
Of course, Hosea was the prophet called to marry a prostitute as a prophetic gesture to point to the compromise and prostitution of Israel against the LORD. Hosea suffered, to mark the LORD’s rejection by His chosen people.
But in this verse, we see how dearly He longs for relationship and that we do not need to fear Him in the sense of a slave to his master, but to embrace him as a wife does her husband.
This verse speaks to me of mutual love and devotion, not about submission, obedience or suppression.
Those husbands who love their wives as they do themselves (Ephesians 5:25; Mark 12:31) with respect, value and appreciation, do so in the way the Father loves us all. The marriage relationship should not be about who reigns, but about how love rains down upon us and nurtures us.
In that day we shall all call him My Husband. Oh for that day on earth to give such glimpses of peace and glory. Amen.
4 replies on “Equality in Marriage – from Hosea”
Very interesting, that verse in Hosea. Thanks for explaining.
We are all learning and so fortunate to grow through our love towards others: spouses, families, but always GOD first:)
Have been very busy and only catching up with my mail now whilst away
Good explanation of Hosea 2: 16 Sarah. A very relevant reminder for us Christian wives, and something for us to consider and reflect seriously in these secular days where feminist women seem to be increasingly very aggressive and blame men for most of their problems even to the extent of putting them down sometimes
As we love GOD first, we can only grow in our ability to give and receive love person to person. Oh that we would love others more deeply, including our spouses, and grow in the likeness of GOD.