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.