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Author |
Hosea |
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Date |
Between 790 and 71 710 BC |
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Time Span |
About 45 years. (Hosea's ministry overlaps those of the prophets Isaiah, Amos, and Micah.) |
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Title |
From the book's author and one of the chief characters: Hosea. Hosea has been called “the prophet with the broken heart.” |
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Background |
Hosea's ministry to the Northern Kingdom begins while Jeroboam II is reigning in Israel, and successively covers the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah in Judah. The setting for this first book of the minor prophets is just before Israel is exiled to Assyria. While the nation is thriving in prosperity, its spiritual condition is deplorable with pagan and immoral worship of Baal and Ashtaroth, as well as the worship of the golden calves that Jeroboam I had set up at Bethel and Dan. |
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Where |
Israel (Northern Kingdom) |
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To Whom |
To the people of the Northern Kingdom |
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Content |
Hosea's personal life graphically illustrates his prophetic message. At the command of God, the prophet Hosea marries Gomer the prostitute. But instead of being faithful to her forgiving and loving husband, Gomer returns to her previous lovers. Hosea, though, is diligent as he compassionately seeks her out and is able to bring her back. Hosea's message is also revealed through the names he gives his 3 children: Jezrell, “God scatters”; Lo-Ruhamah, “not pitied”; and Lo-Ammi, “not my people.” Like Gomer, wanton Israel is running after other “loves” instead of being faithful in her “marriage” to God. However, Israel's rebellion, apostasy, and fornication eventually give way to God's love. Finally, Hosea outlines Israel's restoration and new marriage Covenant. |
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Themes |
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Key |
“Marriage”; “Forgiveness.” Just as Hosea marries Gomer, so God's covenant relationship with Israel represents their “marriage.” And just as Hosea reaches out in “forgiveness” to buy back his adulterous wife from a slave market, so God in “forgiveness” continues to seek His own. |
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Outline |
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