Gomer was an important figure in the Old Testament, primarily known as the wife of the prophet Hosea. She is mentioned in the Book of Hosea, which provides insight into her background, her relationship with Hosea, and her symbolic significance. Here is an overview of Gomer’s story and role in the Bible:
Gomer’s Background
The Book of Hosea indicates that Gomer was the daughter of Diblaim (Hosea 1:3). Beyond naming her father, the text does not provide any details about her family or upbringing. She was from the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reign of the Jewish king Jeroboam II (approximately 785-745 BC). At some point, she married the prophet Hosea.
Gomer’s Marriage to Hosea
God instructed Hosea to marry Gomer, despite knowing that she would later be unfaithful: “Go, take to yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the Lord” (Hosea 1:2). Though the text does not state it explicitly, most scholars believe Gomer was likely already involved in prostitution or promiscuous behavior when Hosea married her.
Hosea and Gomer had three children together: a son named Jezreel, a daughter named Lo-ruhamah, and another son named Lo-ammi (Hosea 1:3-9). These unusual names foretold God’s coming judgment on the kingdom of Israel for their idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. Despite Gomer’s infidelity, Hosea continued to love her, similar to how God continued to love wayward Israel.
Gomer’s Adultery
After bearing Hosea three children, Gomer was unfaithful to him repeatedly. Though not stated explicitly, she likely returned to prostitution and took other lovers. Hosea spoke of her adultery in symbolic terms: “She is not my wife, and I am not her husband” (Hosea 2:2). Yet his love for her remained strong, compelling him to purchase her back from her paramours: “I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her” (Hosea 2:14).
Some time after her affairs, Hosea was prompted by God to redeem Gomer once more: “Go again, love a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress” (Hosea 3:1). Hosea purchased Gomer for 15 shekels of silver and a quantity of barley, bringing her back into his house as his wife again.
Gomer’s Symbolic Significance
Gomer’s story served as a living parable for the Israelites regarding their covenant relationship with God. Just as Gomer was unfaithful to Hosea, so Israel had been unfaithful to the Lord by worshiping idols and making alliances with foreign nations. Yet God still loved them and sought to restore the relationship, much like Hosea’s redeeming love toward Gomer.
In addition, Gomer’s background as a promiscuous woman illustrated how God took a nation in spiritual adultery and purified them as His people. Though Israel behaved like an unfaithful spouse, God wished to transform them into a righteous nation, just as Hosea redeemed Gomer from her wayward lifestyle.
Later References to Gomer
After the narrative portion of Hosea concludes, Gomer is not mentioned again by name. However, in the prophetic portions that follow, there are a few possible allusions to her:
- Hosea 6:6 – “I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” Some believe this verse refers to Hosea’s loving motivation in taking back his unfaithful wife.
- Hosea 11:1 – “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.” This may compare God’s love for Israel to Hosea’s love for his own wayward child with Gomer.
- Hosea 14:4-8 – This passage celebrates Israel’s future restoration using marital imagery, which may be linked to Gomer’s restoration as Hosea’s wife.
While Gomer herself disappears from the narrative, she continues to impact the prophetic symbolism through her redemptive story of unfaithfulness, judgment, and restoration.
Lessons from Gomer’s Life
As a key figure in the Book of Hosea, Gomer’s story provides several important lessons:
- God calls His people to faithfulness. Gomer’s unfaithfulness to Hosea parallels Israel’s idolatry and covenant betrayal, illustrating the gravity of infidelity.
- God’s love remains constant. Though both Gomer and Israel were unfaithful, Hosea and God steadfastly loved them and sought their restoration.
- Redemption requires repentance. Gomer seemingly repented after her adultery, allowing Hosea to redeem and restore her as his wife.
- Forgiveness brings joyful renewal. Hosea and Gomer’s restored marriage symbolized the joy and renewal God wanted to bring Israel through forgiveness.
- God transforms lives completely. Gomer’s background did not prevent her from becoming Hosea’s faithful wife, mirroring how God could make Israel wholly righteous.
Gomer’s story reminds us of humanity’s tendency toward unfaithfulness and God’s remarkable love that redeems the unfaithful. Her life encourages all believers to heed God’s call, repent of infidelity, accept His redemption, and live faithfully in grateful joy.
Gomer’s Relevance Today
While Gomer’s personal story concluded in the Old Testament, her symbolic legacy continues to shape the lives of modern Christians in several ways:
- As a warning against spiritual adultery. Gomer’s unfaithfulness illustrates how easily believers can be enticed away from complete devotion to God.
- As a call to love prodigals. Like Hosea, Christians are to love persistently those who have strayed from righteous living.
- As an appeal to redemption. Gomer’s story motivates Christians to share the good news of redemption with those still lost in sin.
- As a demonstration of Christ’s love. Jesus’ redeeming love for His Bride, the Church, mirrors Hosea’s love for Gomer.
- As a depiction of personal transformation. What God did in Gomer’s life pictures His sanctifying work in each believer.
Though centuries have passed, Gomer’s symbolic role continues to resonate. Churches still have much to learn from her story of sin, judgment, redemption, and restoration.
Summary of Gomer’s Significance
In summary, Gomer played a vital symbolic role in the Old Testament as an illustration of God’s covenant relationship with Israel:
- As Hosea’s wife, she depicted Israel as the unfaithful spouse of God.
- Her background illustrated Israel’s spiritual adultery and rebellion against God.
- Her marriage to Hosea mirrored God taking Israel as His people.
- Her adultery pictured Israel’s idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness.
- Hosea’s redemptive love showed God’s steadfast love for His people.
- Her restoration foreshadowed Israel’s future redemption and renewal.
Though appearing in only one Old Testament book, Gomer served as a living parable that condemned Israel’s sin but also spoke powerfully of God’s persistent grace. Her symbolic role established timeless truths about the Lord’s redeeming love for His wayward people.
Gomer in Jewish and Christian Interpretation
Throughout history, Jewish and Christian interpreters have seen Gomer as more than just Hosea’s wife – they have viewed her as a symbol of God’s relationship to his people. Here is a brief survey of how Gomer has been understood:
Early Jewish Interpretation
The early rabbis focused on the redemptive aspect of Gomer’s story. Just as God is repeatedly willing to forgive Israel’s sins, Hosea is willing to forgive and take back his adulterous wife. Gomer represents Israel’s potential for repentance and restoration.
Church Fathers
Christian interpreters like Origen, Jerome, and Augustine saw Gomer as a symbol of the Gentile Church. Whereas Israel was God’s unfaithful spouse in the Old Testament, the Church became the bride of Christ in the New. Gomer’s redemption foreshadowed the redemption of the Church.
Medieval Period
Medieval scholars like Rupert of Deutz viewed Hosea and Gomer’s marriage as an allegory for Christ and the individual Christian soul. As Gomer was unfaithful to Hosea, so the believer is unfaithful to Christ through sin. Yet Christ’s love remains constant.
Reformation
Reformers like Martin Luther saw Hosea’s continued love for Gomer as a picture of God’s justification of humanity through grace alone, apart from works. Though utterly unfaithful, Gomer – representing humanity – is reconciled to Hosea out of merciful love.
Modern Interpretation
Today, feminist scholars note Gomer’s agency as a woman who made her own decisions, for better or worse. Others focus on her exploitation at the hands of men. Both perspectives aim for a balanced understanding of this complex biblical figure.
Gomer’s Relevance for Marriages Today
Beyond her prophetic symbolism, Gomer’s story offers wisdom and encouragement for marriages today in several ways:
- Gomer’s unfaithfulness illustrates how easy it can be for spouses to stray from marital commitment and vows.
- Hosea’s steadfast love for Gomer despite her adultery displays God’s design for covenantal marriage – unconditional love and permanent commitment.
- Hosea’s redemption of Gomer shows the power of forgiveness and restoration within marriage, as two sinners cleave together in imperfection.
- The remarriage of Hosea and Gomer pictures the joy of reconciliation God intends for marriages torn by betrayal.
- Gomer’s redemption testifies to marriage’s unique capacity for sanctification as spouses serve as living symbols of God’s redemptive love.
While challenging, Gomer’s story offers wisdom and hope to all marriages struggling through issues of unfaithfulness, trust, and reconciliation. Centuries later, her story still resonates with the redemptive power of steadfast love.
Theological Implications of Gomer’s Story
As an integral figure in the Book of Hosea, Gomer’s symbolic story has significant theological implications:
On Human Sinfulness
Gomer’s unchecked descent into promiscuity and prostitution, even as Hosea’s wife, reveals the depth of human sinfulness. Her story conveys the grievous tendency even of God’s people toward all manner of spiritual adultery.
On God’s Faithfulness
Against the backdrop of human sin, God’s steadfast, patient, covenant-keeping love shines through. Despite unrelenting infidelity, He remains true to His promises, calling His beloved home.
On the Priority of Grace
God’s one-way love for the irredeemable overwhelms any notion of human works or merit. Gomer’s story displays the primacy and power of scandalous grace extended to sinners.
On the Purpose of Redemption
As Hosea restored Gomer as his wife, God redeems humanity for intimate relationship, not mere forgiveness. Redemption restores the possibility of oneness between God and His people.
On the Scope of Forgiveness
If God would relent from judgment toward brazen spiritual adulterers like Gomer, no one stands outside the scope of divine pardon. God’s forgiveness knows no bounds for the repentant.
On the Hope of Transformation
Just as Gomer was transformed from wayward prostitute to faithful wife, redemption brings total change of heart and renewal of life. Salvation in Christ ushers in new creation.
Gomer’s symbolic story provides a vivid depiction of theology in action, revealing as much about God’s character as human nature.
Artistic Depictions of Gomer
As a compelling biblical figure, Gomer has inspired many artistic portrayals seeking to capture her essence and illuminate her symbolic significance:
Paintings
Painters focusing on Gomer have included: John Everett Millais’ “Hosea and His Wife” (1885), emphasizing her redemption; Tissot’s “The Prophet Hosea” (1896-1902), underlining Israel’s waywardness; and Marc Chagall’s “Hosea and the Repentant Gomer” (1966), celebrating restoration.
Literature
Gomer appears in literature like Ted Hughes’ poem “Hosea”, A. Powell Davies’ poem “Gomer”, Debra Reid Jenkins’ novel “Gomer: Story of the Prodigal”, and Francine Rivers’ novel “Redeeming Love”, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and redemption.
Music
The American spiritual “Hosanna” references Gomer’s story. Contemporary Christian songs like “Gomer” by Truth and “Gomer’s Song” by Wayne Watson also portray her redemptive journey.
Television
In 2019, the TV drama “The Chosen” featured an episode called “The Woman at the Well”, with Gomer depicted in Hosea’s imagination during his conversation with the Samaritan woman.
Film
A low-budget 2014 film “Gomer” imagined her salacious past. The Fountain Pictures project “Hosea” is an upcoming movie focused on her marriage to the prophet. Her story has inspired empathy, speculation, and creative re-imagining across genres.
Historical Figures Named Gomer
Due to her memorable role in the Bible, Gomer became an adopted name by a variety of historical figures, including:
- Gomer the Elder (fl. 520 BC) – Ancient king mentioned by Herodotus
- Gomer of Rhuddlan (d. 1161) – Welsh Lord and alleged ancestor of Catherine of Aragon
- Gwenllian ferch Gruffudd (d. 1136) – Welsh princess also known as Gomer
- Gomer Berry, 1st Viscount Kemsley (1883–1968) – Prominent British newspaper publisher
- Gomer Jones (1920-2017) – Welsh cricketer
- Gomer Thomas (1928-2017) – American politician
While not necessarily named directly after Hosea’s wife, the strong biblical connection increased use of the distinctive name Gomer through the centuries.
Conclusions About Gomer
In summary, here are key conclusions about this important biblical figure:
- As Hosea’s wife, Gomer served as a living symbol of God’s covenant with Israel
- Her redemption by Hosea foreshadowed Israel’s future restoration from exile
- She illustrated God’s steadfast love and the redemptive power of forgiveness
- Her story continues to resonate metaphorically for relationships today
- Artists and theologians have drawn inspiration from her compelling narrative
- She embodies the concept of spiritual adultery and the wooing of God’s love
Though appearing briefly, Gomer’s influence and intrigue endure. Hers is a story of human fickleness and divine faithfulness, still touching hearts and providing hope centuries later.