Hosea 3:3 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

This verse is the form of contract, or the articles of agreement, between the prophet and this woman. Abide for me; dwell with me, and expect and wait in an unmarried condition, until I see it fit to espouse thee. Many days; it is not said how long, but a slave, as she is represented here, may not think this severe; the preferment will compensate her waiting. Thou shalt not play the harlot: this is the third condition, she is to live chaste and modest, not to do as she had done. This was to settle her in a virtuous life, and to prove whether she would betake herself to a life praiseworthy. Thou shalt not be for another man; she is bound to marry, none other, nor to commit adultery with any other. So will I also be for thee; in due time I will accomplish the contract, and, as I wait, so I will be for thee. So the deed is mutually sealed and signed.