Hosea

Hosea


Explain the historical background and purpose of the prophet: Not much is known of the prophet Hosea, but he is specifically instructed by God to marry an unfaithful woman as God wanted to use Hosea’s life to demonstrate Israel’s unfaithfulness to God and God’s faithfulness to Israel. Hosea’s message was threefold; God abhors the sins of His people; judgement is certain; but God’s love stands firm. Hosea’s ministry spanned the years of the last six kings of Israel from Zechariah to Hoshea whose reign ended with Assyrian captivity in 722.

What does the book show of the character and nature of God? Oh, my, but the faithfulness of Hosea toward the unfaithfulness of his wife, Gomer, is so dramatically expressive of God’s faithfulness to His people. Weeping may last through the night but joy comes in the morning. God forgives repentance in every case, immediately. And He is longsuffering.

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind? "When I was a child, I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt." Certainly this scripture from Hosea 11: 1 has a double fulfillment in Jesus Christ. "The paths of the Lord are true and right, and the righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall." Hosea 14:9. True of all mankind from every age.

Personal Application: I am utterly amazed at what I have been reading in the minor prophets. Hosea if far more understood when the emphasis is off the unusual way God has called Hosea, and placed more on the message Hosea gave to the Israelites, to turn from unfaithfulness. I know there are different views of God’s plan for Israel. Some believe there is no plan at all because as the church we have replaced Israel and the land, the people, and the covenants have vanished. The prophets are telling me differently: "My people will again live under my shade; They will flourish like grain and blossom like grapevines. They will be as fragrant as the wines of Lebanon. O, Israel, stay away from idols! I am the one who anseres your prayer and cares for you . . ." I cannot even guess when this will take place, but I believe it will take place one day.

Point of Passion: And so this is why I desire more and more to pray for Israel. I’ve decided to subscribe to a magazine, Israel Today when I get back home and use this periodical for intercessory prayer. In this publication are also recorded the dilemmas within this small but most significant land, these I can trust God for. I don’t need all the answers but I pray for a blameless heart as I pray.