Hosea 2:19-20 NLT“[19] I will make you my wife forever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion. [20] I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as the Lord.”
A few weeks ago, I went shopping with my best friend of 14 years. She was looking for a gift for her husband with the words “my king” on it. We searched everywhere, but the only item we found was a display piece, and when we asked for it, it was out of stock. Knowing that she views her husband as her king warmed my heart. It’s rare to see women speak about their husbands with such admiration. Their marriage is truly inspiring, and the respect and love she has for him is beautiful to witness.
When reading today’s devotion, I came across this verse, and it reminded me of how men can win the honour of being called “king” or “lord” in their homes. Sarah called Abraham “my lord” even during the challenging times when they could not have children. Her devotion was deep-rooted, an expression of respect, love, and reverence (1 Peter 3:6). But let’s be real—no wife will view her husband as a king if he treats her poorly. Scripture teaches that words and attitudes can’t be separated from actions, and women know when they’re loved and valued.
When God speaks in this verse, He says, “I will make you my wife forever.” Forever isn’t just a few years of joy; it’s a lifetime, through highs and lows. When my parents married and had their first child, a tragic road accident took her life at the age of five. Losing a child so early on brought unimaginable pain into their marriage, yet they stayed committed. Though my mother passed 15 years after my sister, their commitment was “till death do us part.” God’s commitment to us is forever—even beyond death and into eternity. Choosing a spouse is no small thing; it’s a commitment for life. So choose wisely, looking for lasting qualities like character and faith in God, which stand firm when other things fade.
God calls men to show righteousness. Being righteous means being in right standing with God, and a wife should learn what that looks like from her husband’s example, not just from what’s written in the Bible. Husbands should model integrity, compassion, and kindness. If a wife sees her husband practising fairness, self-control, and love, she will feel inspired to do the same. God designed husbands as the spiritual leaders of the home, just as Jesus is the head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23). This responsibility is rooted in love, not dominance. You can’t demand submission; you inspire it through love and respect. Show your wife justice by being fair and treating her as the cherished partner she is.
The Bible says, “For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church” (Ephesians 5:23). God commands husbands to care for their wives, as they would care for their own bodies. He promises that He will provide when we choose to love and cherish those closest to us. Show your wife unfailing love—the kind of love God has for us. Disagreements will happen, but how you handle them speaks volumes. Disagreeing with love means it’s about resolution, not hurt or revenge.
God also calls husbands to be faithful. Faithfulness goes beyond actions; it’s about the purity of your heart and mind. As Jesus taught, “Anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). True faithfulness isn’t just about avoiding infidelity; it’s about guarding your mind and heart from temptation.
Finally, God says, “I will make you mine.” There’s a unique sense of honour when a husband cherishes his wife, when he’s proud to call her his. The Bible reminds us that “my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). Knowledge from God’s Word provides us with the blueprint for life and relationships. Embracing biblical principles enables men and women to thrive in love, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, which speaks of a love that is patient, kind, and endures all things. A godly marriage founded on this love brings deep joy and security that outlasts superficial attractions or fleeting emotions.
The final promise in Hosea 2:20 says, “You will finally know me as the Lord.” In a marriage marked by righteousness, justice, unfailing love, compassion, and faithfulness, a wife will come to know her husband as her “king” or “lord.” Through his actions, she will see his heart, and her respect will be earned, not demanded. This honour comes not just from words but from the love he continually shows her. In this way, husbands who live out these qualities will inspire the kind of reverence that mirrors God’s relationship with His people—one of love, trust, and enduring commitment.
In my own devotional practice, I begin with prayer, then read Scripture until something touches my heart. I pause to meditate and journal before continuing, allowing God’s truth to shape my day. Perhaps you might find inspiration in this approach, immersing yourself in His Word to guide your thoughts and actions.
May God bless each of you with His wisdom and love.