INTRODUCTION TO HOSEA

Hosea is the first book of the 12 minor prophets. Hosea directed this prophecy toward Northern Israel, which he called Ephraim. He prophesied for almost 40 years, during the reigns of 7 different kings, 4 of whom were assassinated. It was a time when the unfaithfulness of Israel was bearing bitter fruit. During the time of King Rehoboam, son of Solomon, ten tribes of Israel had broken away and established a separate nation. Later, the capital became Samaria. In order to consolidate his own power and close the door of a later reunion, Jeroboam I invented a state religion. He set up two golden calves--one in Bethel and the other in Dan--for the people to worship. The kings and people of Northern Israel had persisted in this idolatry until the final demise of the nation in 722-21 BC, at the hands of the Assyrian Empire.

God loved his people in spite of their unfaithfulness, and, in order to show them his faithfulness and love, he sent his prophet Hosea to call them to repent. Hosea was told to preach not only with his mouth, but to demonstrate God's faithful love with his life as well. He was told to marry a prostitute and love her and be faithful to her to the end. Even when she left him and returned to her old life, he was sent to find her and bring her back. God's love for unfaithful Israel was like that. The first three chapters are about Hosea's family; chapters 4-14 are about the unfaithful nation and the faithful God.

1. Go, take an adulterous wife (1:1-5)

Hosea did not reserve his personal life--even his marriage--for himself. God told him to marry a prostitute and have children by her. Hosea obeyed. His first son, Jezreel (God sows or scatters), was named for the valley where Jehu had massacred the house of Ahab (2Ki 9-10). King Jeroboam II was of Jehu's line. Hosea warns of God's impending judgment on Israel. God would break and scatter this unfaithful people.

2. Gomer's children (1:6-2:1)

Hosea's wife conceived and bore a daughter--father unknown--whose name was 'Not-Loved.' God would not forgive or save unfaithful Israel, but he would save Judah. Then, Gomer had another son--a child of adultery--who was named 'Lo-Ammi' (Not My People). He said of Israel, 'You are not my people and I am not your God.' But he would sow new seed in Jezreel, and raise up a new Israel from the Gentile world (Ro 9:24-25).

Application: Lord, your heart is broken because of our unfaithfulness. Cleanse my heart of all idols and help me to worship you alone.
One Word: God used a broken-hearted prophet