Search Tools
New Defender's Study Bible Notes
2:1 Ru-hamah. Gomer’s son and daughter had been named Lo-ammi (“Not my people”) and Lo-ruhammah (“Not-pitied), but finally, in the last days, God will call their brothers and sisters Ammi and Ruhammah (“My people have been pitied” and “belong to me once more”).
2:14 the wilderness. This may be a precursive reference to the end-time wilderness experience of Israel, when God will both protect her from the Beast and prepare her for the returning Messiah (Revelation 12:6-17).
2:16 Ishi. Ishi means “husband”; in that day, Israel will never again turn away from the true God.
2:16 Baali. Baali means “lord,” but in the sense of idol-worship. Baal was the name of the God of the Phoenicians, introduced into Israel by Queen Jezebel.
2:18 beasts of the field. When Israel is restored, God will also restore the primeval relationships among the animals (compare Isaiah 11:6-9; 65:25).
2:18 lie down safely. At the same time, world peace will be enforced by the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 5:1-5; Isaiah 9:6-7).
2:19 betroth thee unto me. Israel will indeed be restored as the wife of Jehovah. This promise is eternal, not conditional, though its implementation must await the national repentance and acceptance of Messiah when He returns, after His long absence and Her long affliction (Hosea 5:5; Matthew 23:37-39).