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Divinity for Advanced Secondary Schools

for some time without having sexual In the New Testament, the parable
intercourse with the husband in the same of a good samaritan who cared for a
way the Israelites would stay for some man the robbers injured reflects mercy
time without kings (Hos. 3:2-2). and compassion (Lk. 10:29-39). The
good samaritan had compassion for
On the other hand, when Hosea won that man by doing acts of love, which
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the love of his life, he changed the are advocacy, financial assistance, and
names of his children as directed by spiritual support. Therefore, we can
God. The name Jezreel, which meant say that these three concepts, namely
destruction, was changed to prosperity, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion, are
indicating that the people of Israel commonly used in different institutions
would be prosperous again. In addition, and groups of people/communities.
the name for ‘Not loved’ was changed
to ‘loved’, signifying that God will Mercy in the book of Hosea
love the Israelites again. More so, the In the book of Hosea, “mercy” refers
name ‘not my people’ changed to ‘my to the condition of understanding that
people’ (Hos. 2:21-23). This showed pushes someone to forgive any person
that the Israelites would become God’s who annoyed you. This condition
people, and he would provide for them always compels people, especially those
again. The experience in the desert in leadership positions, to have tolerance
made Gomer hate the other lovers just towards those whom they are called to
as Israel hated the Baal after exile. The serve.
re-marriage between Hosea and Gomer
signified the new covenant that God Like a person entrusted with the
would make with Israel. responsibility to lead those who are
fragile, God is going to remove all evil
The concepts of mercy, compassion practices among his chosen people
and forgiveness of Israel. He alone is the King and
The book of Hosea shows the feelings the living God of Israel. Chapter 3 of
of God, whom the Israelites forsook and Hosea’s prophecy explains how he
worshipped idols, arousing God’s anger. reunited with the prostitute Gomer for
However, God’s wrath (anger) had a the family life. This uncommon practice
purpose: It was meant for correction and symbolises how God shall be united with
restoration. The Israelites were to turn his unfaithful nation of Israel through
away from worshipping idols, and God unconditional love. During the time of
would forgive them in his mercy. The Hosea, God forgave Israel just as Christ
message of Hosea was, therefore, meant Jesus did on the cross, “Father, forgive
to arouse among the Israelites a sense them; for they do not know what they
of a jealous God who hates sins but is are doing” (Lk. 23:34).
merciful and compassionate.

90 Form Five Student’s Book