Although God’s positive plans for Israel are already known (2:14–23), this paragraph helps one appreciate that a high price was required in order to bring about this change in God’s and Hosea’s families. The story provides no information about when this occurs, but God speaks directly to Hosea, telling him that he should show his love to his adulterous wife, even though another man loves her (3:1–3). This act will mirror God’s deep love for adulterous Israel, who has been following other gods. This means that Hosea will have to buy Gomer, almost like having to pay a second bride-price for the woman who is already his wife. Apparently th…