Hosea (Week 7 - Post 1)

The final book of the Minor Prophets that we will study this session is the book of Hosea.  It is a bit longer than the others we have considered with its 14 chapters.  Today, let's just consider some introductory things about the book.  Then, the assignment for the next couple of days is to read the book of Hosea.  Remember in an overview reading you don't need to worry about details ... you are just getting a feel for the book - its flow and progression. 

Before you read ... here is some background and historical information that will enhance the understanding of the book. 


Hosea lived and ministered in Israel in the days of the Divided Kingdom. He preached during the later years of Jeroboam II, a time of great material prosperity (about 753–723 b.c.).



Hosea’s mission was both special and painful. He was called to experience the anguish caused by an unfaithful wife: a wife whose sexual adultery mirrored the spiritual adultery of the nation Israel, which had been unfaithful to the Lord by worshiping idols and rejecting the holiness in His Law. The names of his children were chosen by God as reminders of Israel’s unfaithfulness.
(Richards, L., & Richards, L. O. (1987). The teacher's commentary. Includes index. (451). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.)

And from Warren Wiersbe and his expository outlines on the Old Testament. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books:



The name Hosea means “salvation.” He preached in the Northern Kingdom (Israel, also called “Ephraim”) during a period of national decline. When Hosea started his ministry, Jeroboam II was king, and it was a time of great prosperity. But the nation was rotting away inwardly and getting involved with foreign alliances instead of trusting God to lead and protect them. Hosea lived to see Israel taken captive by the Assyrians in 721 B.C. Read 2 Kings 15–17 for some of the historical background.



Hosea’s message is to the nation of Israel, exposing their sins and warning them of coming judgment. There is also a message of hope for the future, as we shall see. But the unique thing about his message is that he had to live it himself before he could preach it to the people. The prophet had to experience deep agony in his own marriage because of the sins of his wife, but all of this was a divinely sent object lesson to him and his people.


One other comment before we begin ...

There is a wonderful novel by Francine Rivers titled "Redeeming Love".  The story is based on the story we are about to encounter in the book of Hosea.  If you like to read ... check out the book.  Let me know what you think. 

Lord, we ask for wisdom as we open this book.

Teach us what You would have us know.

Give us the wisdom to see applications for our lives,

and the courage to act on what You show us.

Let us learn from Your servant, Hosea.