The book of Hosea offers a profound illustration of the way we are loved by God. His love for us is unconditional, but it is also marked by His holiness. Because of this, God seeks better things for us than the things we choose for ourselves. This book reminds us of our need to turn back to the Lover of our souls whenever we have strayed from Him.
Historical Setting of Hosea
Hosea (“salvation”) was a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel (often named Ephraim after its largest tribe; 5:3–13) in the days of its last six kings. Hosea’s lengthy time of service (from about 755 BC to about 710 BC) made him a contemporary of Isaiah and Micah and a younger contemporary of Amos, who also prophesied to the northern kingdom. Hosea’s personal affliction (1–3) illustrates Israel’s coming national catastrophe (4–14). After bearing him three children, Gomer abandons Hosea and becomes an adulteress. When she is reduced to slavery, Hosea publicly redeems her and restores her. In the same way, Israel has committed spiritual adultery through corruption, injustice, and willful idolatry, and she resolutely refuses to repent (4–7).
Handbook to Scripture: 365 Key Chapters in the Bible
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Sections of Hosea
Chapters 1-3
Hosea’s personal affliction illustrates Israel’s coming national catastrophe.
From Handbook Handbook to Scripture: 365 Key Chapters in the Bible https://kenboa.org/product/handbook-to-scripture-365-key-chapters-in-the-bible/
Chapters 4-7
After bearing him three children, Gomer abandons Hosea and becomes an adulteress. When she is reduced to slavery, Hosea publicly redeems her and restores her. In the same way, Israel has committed spiritual adultery through corruption, injustice, and willful idolatry, and she resolutely refuses to repent.
From Handbook Handbook to Scripture: 365 Key Chapters in the Bible https://kenboa.org/product/handbook-to-scripture-365-key-chapters-in-the-bible/
Chapters 8-10
Because of Israel’s hardness of heart, she will be brought into a judgment of dispersion and destruction.
Chapters 11-14
God’s holiness and justice require Him to discipline Israel, but because of His steadfast love and compassion, He will restore Israel in the future.