Hosea’s name means “salvation.” He was a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel from about 786-746 BC during the reign of King Jeroboam II. At this time, northern Israel was enjoying physical prosperity, they were at peace, and everything seemed to be going in the right direction. Then Hosea was called as a prophet to bring the nation to repentance. They had a serious sin problem. Israel had consistently moved away from God, who had not only saved them from Egypt but established a covenant relationship with them. As a sign and image for northern Israel, Hosea was commanded by God to restore his own marriage. His wife had committed adultery, but rather than put her away, Hosea was to take her back. This adultery, no doubt, brought Hosea cultural shame and very real pain and anguish, but this is what God was willing to do for Israel. Israel had been unfaithful to their covenant with the LORD. They would bear the consequences of their decisions, yet, even still, God promised to redeem them.
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The Fall; Hosea 5-7
Hosea is a hard book to read. Hosea had to deal with the difficult realities of his own life while demonstrating the very similar situation between God and the nation of Israel. It always strikes me here that the Bible is clearly not a book of propaganda for Israel. If it is, it is a really bad o...