Hosea 3:1-5 (KJV)
1 Then said the LORD unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine.
2 So I bought her to me for fifteen pieces of silver, and for an homer of barley, and an half homer of barley:
3 And I said unto her, Thou shalt abide for me many days; thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not be for another man: so will I also be for thee.
4 For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim:
5 Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.
During the Babylonian exile the people of God were unable to openly worship idols or the one true God. But they were returned to their first love and provided for as a husband who still loves them. They lived in exile still separated from God. This separation would end when the people were returned to the land. Later the people of Israel will return to the leadership of the house of David when they accept Jesus as the messiah.
The church has replaced the house of Israel and is the bride of Christ. The only way to God today is a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ soon all the people of God will come to the realization he is the messiah they have waited all these years for.
Dear Lord: My prayer is you will wait a little longer to claim your bride the church so more can be brought to knowledge of your saving grace. As you wait I pray you will continue to protect those who still preach a pure and true gospel. Giving each of us the opportunity to see the miracle of salvation one more time.
In Jesus name I pray amen.