Part 47 of the David Pawson 'Unlocking the Bible' Podcast series 

Hosea was the prophet who gave God’s final appeal to the Jews to repent of their unfaithfulness to him. God’s relationship with Israel was one of covenant love so loyalty was a key part. God was looking for glad, eager obedience that wanted to live the way he wanted her to live. Hosea had to experience what God was suffering by marrying a woman who would be unfaithful. But, like God, he was to remain true to her. The sins of Israel listed are Infidelity – in their marriages as well as to God; going after other gods as Hosea’s wife went after other men; Independence – they had set up their own independent kingdom; Intrigue – lies and deceit, treaties outside the people of God; Idolatry – worshipping a golden calf; Ignorance – when they should have known about God, they didn’t bother; Immorality - drunkenness, promiscuity and violence were rife; Ingratitude -  he had redeemed them but they were ungrateful. The Priests, false Prophets, false Princes and the Profiteers were accused by Hosea. He warned of suffering ahead – Barren women, Bloodshed and Banishment from the land.