Idolatrous Israel

Hosea prophesies against the corruption of Israel's priests, who led Israel away from knowing God and into idol worship. Judah, too, is warned against their sins.

Adulterous Gomer

God's relationship with Israel is demonstrated through Hosea's marriage with the prostitute Gomer. Like Gomer, Israel has committed adultery against God by worshipping foreign gods.

Adulterer Redeemed

Though adulterous Israel worships idols, God's never-ending love will buy them back. He will restore Israel again and bring a Messianic King from David's family.

God Cries Out

In a moving allegory of a father and son, God expresses His love and heartbreak for Israel and their constant rebellion, pleading for them to repent.

Almost Redeemed

Even though God confronts Israel's wrongdoings, He longs to restore them. God will heal their faithlessness if they choose to repent.

Sadly, Israel doesn't listen.

THE BOOK OF HOSEA

OT/NT: Old Testament

SECTION: Minor Prophets (1 of 12)

TRADITIONAL AUTHOR: Hosea

KEY PEOPLE: Gomer, Hosea and their children.

SUMMARY: Canonically, the Book of Hosea is the twenty-eighth book of the Holy Bible (1), the twenty-eighth book of the Old Testament (2), and first of the twelve Minor Prophets books (3).

The Northern Kingdom of Israel enjoyed moderate success from conquering neighboring kingdoms, but they were spiritually bankrupt on the inside. In the Book of Hosea, God sends Hosea to Israel during King Jeroboam II's reign to admonish them of their wrongs in perpetual idol worship and dependence on outside nations.

King Jeroboam II, one of the worst kings in Israel's history, grew apathetic and allowed idol worship to run amok in the nation, opening the doorway for Israelites to cheat, steal, have unlawful sex with, and even murder each other on a constant basis. Growing cold and distant, they had forgotten about knowing God as their intimate first love (also mentioned later in the New Testament in Revelation 2:4) , ushering in a disaster that would imminently strike through Assyria's siege. But God does not forget Israel even in their self-destruction, and He teaches us that love is the strongest force of all, even over sin.

Hope would still come through God's Messiah (4).

COMING UP: Next up is the book of Joel (5). Click HERE to explore!

For a printer friendly version of this narrative (and more!), please explore the PDF documents offered above.

FOOTNOTES:

(1)  http://www.downriverdisciples.com/the-good-news

(2)  http://www.downriverdisciples.com/old-testament

(3)  http://www.downriverdisciples.com/ot-major-prophets

(4)  http://www.downriverdisciples.com/jesus-the-messiah

(5)  http://www.downriverdisciples.com/joel

SOURCES:

(a) The Bible Project https://thebibleproject.com/explore/hosea/