HOSEA AND GOMER. God told the prophet Hosea to marry an unfaithful woman named Gomer to show Israel how God kept loving His people even when they turned away to worship false idols. Gomer left Hosea and went back to her old lifestyle, eventually becoming a slave and trapped in deep debt to other lovers. God told Hosea to go find Gomer, buy her back and love her again. Hosea paid a small price in silver and barley to redeem her from slavery and brought her back home to restore their relationship. Just as Hosea bought back and forgave Gomer, God promised to forgive and redeem His rebellious people.