Minor Prophets - Hosea

 Bible Study on Hosea

1. Background of the Writer

• Name: Hosea (Hebrew: הוֹשֵׁעַ, Hoshea, meaning “salvation”)
• Tribe: Likely from the Northern Kingdom (Israel), though exact tribal affiliation is unknown.
• Occupation: Prophet
• Time of Ministry: Approximately 755–710 B.C.
• Notable Fact: Hosea’s personal life, especially his marriage to Gomer, serves as a vivid parable of God’s covenant relationship with Israel.

2. Historical & Political Climate

• Kingdom: Northern Kingdom of Israel
• Period: During the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (Judah) and Jeroboam II (Israel)
• Key Context:
• Israel was politically strong under Jeroboam II but morally and spiritually bankrupt.
• Widespread idolatry, injustice, corruption, and unfaithfulness to Yahweh.
• Assyria was rising in power, and Israel’s downfall was imminent (Samaria fell in 722 B.C.).
• Hosea prophesied in a time of spiritual adultery, calling for repentance and return to God.

3. Outline and Significant Verses by Chapter

Chapter 1 – Hosea’s Marriage as a Prophetic Sign

• Hosea marries Gomer, a symbol of Israel’s unfaithfulness.
• Key Verses:
• Hosea 1:2 – “The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea… Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms…”
• Hosea 1:10 – Messianic hint: “Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea…”

Chapter 2 – God’s Judgment and Restoration

• Israel’s unfaithfulness likened to Gomer’s.
• Promise of restoration and betrothal.
• Key Verses:
• Hosea 2:19–20 – “I will betroth thee unto me forever… in righteousness… lovingkindness… mercy…”
• Hosea 2:23 – “I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people…”

Chapter 3 – Redemption of Gomer

• Hosea buys Gomer back – a picture of God’s redeeming love.
• Key Verse:
• Hosea 3:5 – Messianic prophecy: “Afterward shall the children of Israel return… and shall seek the LORD their God, and David their king…”

Chapter 4 – Israel’s Sin and Lack of Knowledge

• God brings charges against Israel: no truth, mercy, or knowledge.
• Key Verse:
• Hosea 4:6 – “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”

Chapter 5 – Judgment on Priests and Princes

• Corruption among leadership.
• Key Verse:
• Hosea 5:15 – “I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence…”

Chapter 6 – Call to Repentance

• A plea to return to the Lord.
• Key Verse:
• Hosea 6:6 – “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”

Chapter 7 – Israel’s Wickedness Exposed

• Israel’s alliances with foreign nations and internal corruption.
• Key Verse:
• Hosea 7:8 – “Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned.”

Chapter 8 – Sowing the Wind, Reaping the Whirlwind

• Idolatry and alliances condemned.
• Key Verse:
• Hosea 8:7 – “For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind…”

Chapter 9 – Punishment is Coming

• The days of visitation have come.
• Key Verse:
• Hosea 9:7 – “The days of visitation are come, the days of recompense are come…”

Chapter 10 – Call to Righteousness

• Israel judged for false religion and reliance on military strength.
• Key Verse:
• Hosea 10:12 – “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy…”

Chapter 11 – God’s Love for Israel

• Tender depiction of God’s fatherly love.
• Key Verses:
• Hosea 11:1 – Messianic prophecy: “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.” (See Matthew 2:15)

Chapter 12 – Jacob’s Story Revisited

• Israel reminded of Jacob’s spiritual struggle and God’s dealings.
• Key Verse:
• Hosea 12:6 – “Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment…”

Chapter 13 – Wrath Against Sin

• God’s past care contrasted with Israel’s ingratitude.
• Key Verse:
• Hosea 13:14 – Messianic connection: “I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death…”

Chapter 14 – Final Call to Repentance and Promise of Healing

• A beautiful call to return and a promise of restoration.
• Key Verse:
• Hosea 14:4 – “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely…”

4. Messianic Prophecies in Hosea

5. Themes to Emphasize in Study

• God’s Covenant Love: Hosea’s marriage symbolizes God’s faithful love to an unfaithful people.
• Judgment and Mercy: God’s justice does not cancel out His mercy.
• Repentance: God continually invites His people to return.
• Messianic Hope: Even in judgment, the hope of redemption and restoration is present.