Faith & Reason Nexus

MEANING: “Salvation”

AUTHOR: Hosea

TIME WRITTEN: During the early years of Hezekiah (approximately 755 B.C. to 710 B.C.)

POSITION IN THE BIBLE:

• 28th Book in the Bible
• 28th Book in the Old Testament
• 6th of 17 books of Prophecy (Isaiah – Malachi)
• 1st of 12 minor prophets (Hosea – Malachi)
• 38 Books to follow it

CHAPTERS: 14

VERSES: 197

WORDS: 5,175

OBSERVATIONS ABOUT HOSEA:

• Ministry and Context:
• Hosea ministered to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which is often referred to as Ephraim, the largest tribe in that kingdom.
• His prophetic career spanned approximately 45 years.
• Hosea’s ministry covered a period of about 40 years and included the reigns of four kings of Judah (Uzziah – Hezekiah) and six kings of Israel (Zechariah – Hoshea).
• Personal Life:
• Hosea was the son of Beri and married Gomer, who was unfaithful to him.
• He had three children: Jezreel (“God Scatters”), Lo-Ruhamah (“Not Pitied”), and Lo-Ammi (“Not My People”).
• Hosea’s relationship with Gomer and the names of their children serve as metaphors for Israel’s relationship with God.
• Prophetic Messages:
• Hosea is known for his vivid metaphors and imagery, which illustrate the themes of his prophecy.
• He made approximately 150 statements about Israel’s sins, with a significant focus on idolatry.
• His messages highlight issues such as lying, murder, insincerity, ingratitude, idolatry, and covetousness.
• Contemporaries:
• Hosea was a younger contemporary of Amos and a contemporary of Southern Kingdom prophets Isaiah and Micah.
• Thematic Elements:
• The book is divided into sections reflecting different attributes of God:
  • Chapters 4-7: God is Holy
  • Chapters 8-10: God is Just
  • Chapters 11-14: God is Loving and Gracious
• Unique Aspects:
• Hosea’s personal life and experiences with his unfaithful wife illustrate the broader message of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God.
• The book of Hosea emphasizes that the people suffer due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of God’s ways.
• Key Verse:
• “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6)