Andrew Peterson's newest project, Resurrection Letters, Vol. II, is replete with images of brokenness and redemption. With rich lyrics and lush musical arrangements, this album displays the unique talents of singer/songwriter Andrew Peterson in a new light. His most powerful song, in my opinion, is his retelling of the tale of the prophet Hosea. Here's what Peterson says about it:
"The Old Testament story of Hosea paints a powerful picture of the stubborn, pursuing, renewing love of God. Hosea is told by God to marry a runaround, no-good, heartless woman. Hosea obeys, and I can’t help thinking that he must not have enjoyed it much. He was probably humiliated, scorned by his friends, not to mention heartbroken by his new wife, Gomer. Even Noah, though mocked for building a giant boat in the middle of a desert, at least kept a little dignity, could feel like a man. But there was Hosea, alone in bed while his wife caroused, and everyone knew it. All because God wanted to make a point. After Gomer ran off with another man, God sent Hosea to buy her back and bring her home. Then God said about Israel, about us, dead in our sin: “…I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will sing as in the days of her youth…” The word Achor means “trouble”. From the ashes of the Valley of Trouble came new life, green and lush. Forgiveness. Rest. Resurrection." -Andrew Peterson
You can listen to the song above by clicking the play button. Enjoy.
Here are the lyrics:
Hosea by Andrew Peterson
Every time I lay in the bed beside you, Hosea, Hosea
I hear the sound of the streets of the city
My belly growls like a hungry wolf
And I let it prowl till my belly's full
Hosea, my heart is a stone
Please believe me when I say I'm sorry, Hosea, Hosea
Oh, you lovable, gullible man
I tell you that my love is true
Till it fades away like a morning dew
Hosea, just leave me alone
Here I am in the Valley of Trouble
Just look at the bed that I've made
Badlands as far as I can see
There's no one here but me, Hosea
I stumbled and fell in the road on the way home, Hosea, Hosea
I lay in the brick street like a stray dog
You came to me like a silver moon
With the saddest smile I ever knew
Hosea carried me home again, home again
You called me out to the Vally of Trouble
Just to look at the mess that I've made
A barren place where nothing can grow
One look and my stone heart crumbled--
It was a valley as green as jade
I swear it was the color of hope
You turned a stone into a rose, Hosea
I sang and I danced like I did as a young girl, Hosea, Hosea
I am a slave and a harlot no more
You washed me clean like a summer rain
And you set me free with that ball and chain
Hosea, I threw away the key
I'll never leave
