“And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.” Hosea 2:15

The book of Hosea represents the account of His marriage to an adulterous wife that symbolizes Israel’s spiritual adultery from God. The account foretold of the judgement of Israel’s continuous backsliding and idolatry; the consequence was separation from God if she refused to repent. But failure in is never the end of the story with our Great and Almighty God! “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Psalm 86:15.

Even in the midst of Israel’s apostasy, we see how God still provides spiritual attraction and the pathway back to Him, His mercy endures forever! Hosea 2:15 states “And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.”

The Valley of Achor was the placed that Achan was stoned to death with his family for stealing and hiding the items from Jericho that were forbidden by the Lord. “But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.” Joshua 7:1.

The name Achor meant trouble or troubler, but God promised Israel that this same forsaken and troubled valley would be turned into a door of hope and a symbol of God’s mercy. “And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.” Hosea 2:23.

Unfortunately, the human condition continues to grow outright immoral and have no shame or desire to repent from the sins and disobedience against the word and will of God. As Israel’s apostasy in the book of Hosea; so many have forgotten that all sustenance and gain come from the Lord. Just as He has given it, He will also take it away.

The dire consequences were imminent for the Israelites; we too face the consequence of disobedience when we stray away from the will of God. But praise be to God, He still lovingly provides that open door of hope and mercy to all who will answer His call of repentance.  The bible admonishes us “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14… the answer is clear; we must repent and turn back to God. He is faithful, loving, and ready to forgive.

If for some reason you have fallen by the wayside of life and need to get back on track…Jesus is tenderly calling, extending and open door of hope if you will only turn and receive it. “Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zeharaiah 1:3. 

God blessings and mercy to all.