Hosea 3:1

The love of the Lord toward the children of Israel.

This exquisitely beautiful phrase comes in the midst of a passage of the most painful and distressing character. As a fend husband may tenderly love his wife, even though she abandon herself to a course of infidelity and profligacy, so the God of Israel is represented as cherishing towards his people, even in their defection and apostasy, the sincerest compassion, the most invincible affection.

I. HOW THE LOVE OF THE LORD TO ISRAEL WAS FIRST DISPLAYED .

1. In their selection from amongst the nations of the earth as the object of his special favor and calling.

2. In the communication to them of peculiar advantages and privileges. They were the depositaries of his truth, the conservators of his worship.

II. How THE LOVE OF THE LORD TO ISRAEL WAS TRIED AND TESTED .

1. By their forgetfulness of him.

2. By their neglect of his ordinances.

3. By their rejection of his messengers and prophets.

4. By their addictedness to idolatry.

5. By their violation of his commandments.

6. By their blasphemy of his Name.

III. HOW THE LOVE OF GOD ENDURED AND TRIUMPHED IN THE TEST TO WHICH IT WAS SUBJECTED .

1. Israel was spared, although deserving abandonment to destruction.

2. Promises of grace were addressed, when threats of desertion were to be expected.

3. Opportunity of repentance and reconciliation was afforded, and Israel was entreated not to abuse it.—T.