Hosea 1-14

Introduction to the book

“Hosea” means salvation.

Hosea was roughly contemporary with Amos.

The book was written about 750-722 B.C., just before Israel was taken into Assyrian captivity.

The primary message of the book is doom.

Within the book, the God’s relationship to Israel is compared to Hosea’s relationship to his wife, Gomer.

Hosea 2:23 – See Romans 9:25-26; I Peter 2:10. These passages in the New Testament directly connect Hosea’s prophecy of the restoration of the people to Christ. God had a plan!

Hosea 3 – Hosea redeems his wife.

Hosea 4 – God’s controversy with Israel.

Hosea 8 – Israel would reap as it sowed.

Hosea 11 – God’s love for Israel.

Hosea 12-13 – Israel went further into apostasy.

Hosea 14 – Compare Amos 4:12. This is a plea to return to God.

Lessons for us:

The great love God has for fallen man.

Internal apostasy is more dangerous than external enemies.

The folly of trying to direct your own ways.

God always desires to show mercy.

The great blessings from God for those that obey Him.

Lack of knowledge is destructive.

It is now time to seek the Lord!

Hosea 14:9 – The ways of the Lord are right and the upright walk in them.