Hosea - Introduction

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NEXT I. God’s Tenacious Love (Hosea 1:1–3:5)

Introduction

Author

HOSEA EXERCISED HIS PROPHETIC ministry during the reigns of several kings (1:1), indicating that his career spanned at least forty years. It began sometime during the reign of Jer-oboam II of Israel, who ruled the northern kingdom as co-regent with his father, Jehoash, from 793 to 782 BC. Then he ruled independently until 753 BC. Hosea’s ministry ended during the reign of Hezekiah, who ruled the southern kingdom of Judah from 716 to 685 BC.

Of all the prophetic books, Hosea is perhaps the most autobiographical. His own marriage and family form a vital part of his unique message. Though Hosea did not neglect Judah in his prophecy, his messages were primarily directed toward the northern kingdom of Israel, often spoken of as “Ephraim” and represented by the royal city of Samaria. Hosea likely lived and worked in or around Samaria and probably moved to Jerusalem by the time Samaria fell to the Assyrians in 722 BC.

Historical Background

During the reign of Jeroboam II, the northern kingdom experienced a time of general affluence, military strength, and national stability. The economy was strong, and the mood was optimistic—at least among the upper class. During a time of Assyrian weakness (the time of the prophet Jonah), Israel and Judah expanded. But, after Jeroboam’s death in 753 BC, Israel experienced anarchy, going through six kings in thirty years—four of whom were assassinated: Zechariah, Shallum, Pekahiah, and Pekah. Assyria gained power at this time, so Israel’s days were numbered. God would use Assyria to punish Israel for their sins against him, as Hosea made clear.

Message and Purpose

Hosea is a book of six cycles that involve sin, salvation, judgment, and restoration. It is set against the backdrop of a covenantal marriage between Hosea and his wife, Gomer, who broke that covenant. God used their relationship to illustrate the fact that Israel, the people with whom he had entered into a sacred covenant, had also broken faith by committing spiritual adultery with false gods. Their actions broke God’s heart.

Israel’s sin brought judgment, just as Hosea’s wife suffered for her waywardness. But, this book also demonstrates God’s heart for forgiveness and reconciliation as Hosea was told to welcome his wife back even though she had been unfaithful to him. Through his prophet’s actions, then, God was saying to Israel, “I will welcome you back if you will re-covenant yourselves to me.” Under God’s kingdom plan, he would forgive his people’s sins and restore their relationship.

Hosea teaches that God will not allow his people to become unfaithful to him without consequences. Just as a husband and wife expect faithfulness of one another in marriage, God expects the full-time commitment of his people.

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