Betrothal in the Wilderness

 Betrothal in the Wilderness

A few words before we get into the subject matter. The subject of this letter has to do with Ephraim's diaspora, or exile if you will. Perhaps there is a purpose and a reason for a delay in the return of the House of Ephraim to the Land. Bear in mind that you didn't know that you were outside of your homeland until just a few years ago (when you discovered your Israelite identity), and your forebears were even less aware that they were living in exile.  

After YHVH’s chiding, rebuke, and action against our forefathers (faithless Israel), in Hosea 2:14, YHVH lures Israel to the wilderness, there to renew and restore their original relationship. Since this relationship started in the desert, it is only right to return there to make amends. Jeremiah 2:2 reminds us of the 'original' event: "I remember you, the kindness of your youth, the love of your betrothal, when you went after Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown" (Jer. 2:2). Thus, the (renewed) betrothal is also to take place in the wilderness, outside the land (2:19-20).  The restored relationship must be cemented in trust and a genuinely love-motivated heart, and not by any selfish interests. The wedding and its consummation will occur in the future, in the land, which is being prepared for Ephraim's return (2:18). Meanwhile, the betrothal in the diaspora is necessary before the marriage can happen. YHVH's heart toward Israel is one of loving-kindness and mercy, while she, for her part, is to display righteousness and justice (v. 19). In verse 20, emphasis is put on mutual faithfulness – only this way can the relationship be restored in a proper manner.

The proverbial scenario of chapter 2 is repeated in chapter 3. In verse 2 the prophet is told to love an adulteress woman, whom he sanctifies/buys with a number of measures of barley. As we recall, Barley was what the jealous husband was to bring to the priest on behalf of his wife (Numbers 5:14-15).  In verse 3, a period of testing is described. The relationship, again in a form of betrothal, is marked by fidelity and love, but there is no wedding yet. According to the description in verse 4, the sons of Israel "abide many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar, without ephod or teraphim". In other words, a substantial time period is spent outside the land, in the diaspora or exile, without sovereignty or a central worship place. Again, both parties are to display their love and faithfulness toward one another during this season, if the marriage is ever to be consummated. 

Verse 5 (compare to 2:21-23) speaks to the final return of Ephraim to Elohim, and their seeking "David their king". Ephraim is now seen as accepting Judah and its leadership, implying, of course, King Yeshua but also the house that He hails from. When these two parts of the Bride are united as one and "appoint" the Bridegroom as their "head… they shall come up out of the land for great will be the day of Jezreel [YHVH's sowing]" (Hosea 1:11). So, if the present-day "life outside the homeland" is of great necessity, according to this exposition of Hosea's prophecy, then being in the "wilderness of the peoples", per Ezekiel 20:33-38, becomes very relevant and may be the times we are living in - a time when the diaspora experience is highly intensified, as shown by this passage:

 "As I live, says Adonai YHVH, 'surely with a mighty hand, with an outstretched arm, and with fury poured out, I will rule over you.  I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you are scattered [is this a proverbial 'taking out', meaning, being extracted from the world system?], with a mighty hand, with an outstretched arm, and with fury poured out.  And I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there I will plead My case with you face to face.  Just as I pleaded My case with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will plead My case with you,' says Adonai YHVH.  'I will make you pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant; I will purge the rebels from among you, and those who transgress against Me; I will bring them out of the country where they dwell, but they shall not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am YHVH'" (Ezekiel 20:33-38). Here it may be added that the ones who do not rebel will enter the land.

Once more, if indeed these are the very days we are living in, we must heed these words more seriously than ever, wherever we are (of necessity), as this is the betrothal stage with our Bridegroom and thus need to be fully devoted to Him, and wholly engaged (pun intended) in the process. After all, as mentioned above, Ephraim has only recently discovered his identity; hence, the diaspora experience is very new to most. Therefore, an essential requirement is to consent to the present YHVH-ordained conditions and redeem the time (ref. Eph. 5:15) to its fullest extent to be ready for the marriage feast in the homeland.