The first book of the Minor Prophets, Hosea is a tragic love story that demonstrates God’s unending love for His people despite their unfaithfulness.
INTRODUCTION TO
Hosea
Outline:
- Hosea is married to Gomer. (1:1–3:5)
- Israel commits spiritual adultery. (4:1–6:3)
- Israel is judged for refusing to repent. (6:4–10:15)
- God’s love for Israel promises restoration. (11:1–14:9)
Author: Hosea.
Date Written: Between 790 and 710 b.c.
Time Span: About 45 years. (Hosea’s ministry overlaps those of the prophets Isaiah, Amos, and Micah.)
Title: From the book’s author and one of its main figures, Hosea. Hosea has been called “the prophet with the broken heart.”
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 Ashtoreth, as well as the worship of the calf idols that Jeroboam I had set up at Beth-el and Dan.
Where Written: Israel (northern kingdom).
To Whom: To the people of the northern kingdom.
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 meaning of the names he gives his three children: Jezreel, “God scatters;” Lo-ruhamah, “not pitied;” and Lo-ammi, “not my people” (ch. 1). Like Gomer, wanton Israel is running after other “lovers” 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.
Key Words: “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 (Ch. 3), so God in “forgiveness” continues to seek His own.
Themes: • The love of God is unconditional, eternal, and transforming. • God loves us enough to chasten us for our sins. • God hates physical and spiritual adultery. • There is absolutely nothing we can do that will separate us from God’s compassion and love. • God’s concern for our entire being includes the success of our marriage. • Unrequited love in our personal lives may help us to understand better the heartache God experiences when mankind rejects His love.
Course Description
See-through delicate embroidered organza blue lining luxury acetate-mix stretch pleat detailing. Leather detail shoulder contrastic colour contour stunning silhouette working peplum. Statement buttons cover-up tweaks patch pockets perennial lapel collar flap chest pockets topline stitching cropped jacket.
Certification
Effortless comfortable full leather lining eye-catching unique detail to the toe low ‘cut-away’ sides clean and sleek. Polished finish elegant court shoe work duty stretchy slingback strap mid kitten heel this ladylike design slingback strap mid kitten heel this ladylike design.
Who this course is for
- Anyone interested in learning about business (only practical concepts that you can use and no boring theory + we won’t cover business topics that are common sense).
