Hosea 3

Then the LORD said to me, "Go again, love a woman ([1]Gomer) who is beloved by her husband and yet is an adulteress, even as the LORD loves the [2]children of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love the raisin cakes [used in the feasts in pagan worship]."

So I bought her for myself for [3]fifteen pieces of silver and a homer and a half of barley [the price of a common slave].

And I said to her, "You shall stay with me for many days. You shall not play the prostitute nor shall you have a man; so I will also be toward you [until you have proved your faithfulness]."

For the sons of Israel will remain for many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or [idolatrous] pillar, and without [4]ephod or teraphim (household idols).

Afterward the sons of Israel will return [in deep repentance] and seek the LORD their God and [seek from the line of] David their king [the King of kings—the Messiah]; and they will come trembling to the LORD and to His goodness and blessing in the last days.