Hosea

GROOMSMEN stands at attention as the music swells and the bride begins her long walk down the aisle, arm in arm with her father. The smiling, but nervous, husband-to-be follows every step, his eyes brimming with love. Then happy tears are shed, vows stated, and families merged. A wedding is a joyous celebration of love. It is the holy mystery of two becoming one, of beginning life together, and of commitment. Marriage is life together is ordain by God and illustrates his relationship with his people, Thus, there is perhaps no greater tragedy then the violation of those sacred vows.

God told Hosea to find a wife, and told him ahead of time that she would be unfaithful to him. Although she would bear many children, some of these offspring would be fathered by others. In obedience to God, Hosea married Gomer. His with her, her adultery, and their children became living, prophetic examples to Israel.

The book of Hosea is a love story – real, tragic, and true. Transcending the tale of young man and wife, it tells of God’s love for his people and the response of his “bride”. A covenant had been made and God had been faithful. His love was steadfast and his commitment unbroken. But Israel, like Gomer, was adulterous and unfaithful, spurning God’s love and turning instead to false gods. The after warning of judgment, God reaffirmed his love and offered reconciliation. His love and mercy were overflowing, but justice would be served.

The book begins with God’s marriage instructions to Hosea. After Hosea’s marriage, children were born, and each given a name signifying a divine message (chapter 1). Then, as predicted, Gomer left Hosea to pursue her lust (chapter 2). But Hosea (whose name means “salvation”) found her, redeemed her, and brought her home again, fully reconciled (chapter 3). Images of God’s love, judgment, grace, and mercy were woven into their relationship. Next, God outlined his case against the people of Israel – their sins would be ultimately cause their destruction (chapter 4; 6; 7; 12) and would rouse his anger, resulting in punishment (chapters 5; 8 – 10, 12; 13). But even in the midst of Israel’s immorality, God was merciful and offered hope, expressing his infinite love for his people (chapter 11) and the fact that their repentance would bring about blessing (chapter 14).

The book of Hosea dramatically portrays our God’s constant and persistent love. As you read this book, watch the prophet submit himself willingly to his Lord’s direction; grieve with him over the unfaithfulness of his wife and his people; and hear the clear warning of judgment. Then reaffirm your commitment to being God’s person, faithful in love and true to your vows.

VITAL STATISTICS:

Purpose: To illustrate God’s love for his sinful people.

Author: Hosea son of Beeri (“Hosea” means “salvation”)

To whom written: Israel (the northern kingdom) and God’s people everywhere.

Date written: Approximately 715 B.C., recording events from about 753 – 715 B.C.

Setting: Hosea began his ministry during the end of the prosperous but morally declining reign of Jeroboam II of Israel (the upper classes were doing well, but they were oppressing the poor). He prophesied until shortly after the fall of Samaria in 722 B.C.

Key Verse: “ The Lord said to me, ‘Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is love by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes’ “ (3:1).

Key People: Hosea, Gomer, their children.

Key Places: The northern kingdom (Israel), Samaria, Ephraim

Special Features: Hosea employs many images from daily life – God is depicted as husband, father, lion, leopard, bear, dew, rain, moth, and others; Isreal is pictured as wife, sick person, vine, grapes, early fruit, olive tree, woman in childbirth, oven, morning, mist, chaff, and smoke, to name a few.

MEGA THEMES:

Theme	Explanation	Importance
The nation’s sin	Just as Hosea’s wife Gomer, was unfaithful to him, so the nation of Israel had been unfaithful to God. Israel’s idolatry was like adultery. They sought illicit relationships with Assyria and Egypt in pursuit of military might, and they mixed Baal worship with the worship of God.	Like Gomer, we can chase after other loves – love of power, pleasure, money, or recognition. The temptations in this world can be very seductive. Are we loyal to God, remaining completely faithful, or have other loves taken his rightful place?
God’s judgment	Hosea solemnly warned Judah against following Israel’s example. Because Judah broke the covenant, turned away from God, and forgot her Maker, she experienced a devastating invasion and exile. Sin has terrible consequences.	Disaster surely follows ingratitude towards God and rebellion. The Lord is our only true refuge. If we harden our hearts against him, there is no safety or security anywhere else. We cannot escape God’s judgment.
God’s love	Just as Hosea went after his unfaithful wife to bring her back, so the Lord pursues us with his love. His love is tender, loyal, unchanging, and undying. No matter what, God stills loves us	Have you forgotten God and become disloyal to him? Don’t let prosperity diminish your love for him or let success blind you to your need for his love.
Restoration	Although God will discipline his people for sin, he encourages and restores those who have repented. True repentance opens the way to a new beginning. God forgives and restores.	There is still hope for those who turn back to God. No loyalty, achievement, or honor can be compared to loving him. Turn to the Lord while the offer is still good. No matter how far you have strayed, God is willing to bring you back.