Commentary on Hosea

Theodoret of Cyrus (393–458)

Likewise the Lord of all had bade Hosea also, therefore, marry a loose woman so as by the event to charge the people with impiety and give evidence of his characteristic longsuffering. If the God of all put up with the loose and adulterous synagogue, however, and the fount of holiness was not defiled by that loathsome and abominable thing, neither did the prophet incur any defilement from that licentious woman. Without being in thrall to lust, and instead carrying out a command from on high, he put up with that awful relationship. Now one must realize how judgment is made between good and bad by the purpose involved: on that basis marriage is distinguished from adultery, and though intercourse involves no difference, the difference emerges in the purpose and the law, and on the same basis what is lawful is distinguished from what is lawless.

Just as those at that early time have learned through Achan's punishment how serious is the transgression of the law, in the same manner these will come to the realization of their own trespasses through the captivity.

See also

• More works by Theodoret of Cyrus

Enable JavaScript to read the full text and search the library.