The book of Hosea is full
of references to “days”. These are not twenty-four hour periods, but eras of
varying duration notable for specific features.
In chapter 1, Hosea
prophesies of a day then future and now past, when Israel’s strength would be broken in the
valley of Jezreel and its people dispersed among the nations, and another, much
more distant day in which Israel and Judah will finally be reunited. In chapter 2 there
are the “days of the Baals”, the “days of Israel’s youth”, and the “day” when
the nation came out of Egypt.
Then there are three
references in the last few verses of chapter 2 to a coming era of
restoration, peace, safety and blessing, characterized by righteousness,
justice, love and mercy. Our English translators consistently label it “that
day”, though the language used about it strongly suggests this day will be at
least 1,000 years in duration. Needless to say, the events which set it
apart from all other days in Israel’s history have yet to take place.