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Survey of Hosea

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Hosea is a book of the Old Testament.

1 – The title of the book

It is Hosea, which means “salvation”. This is marked contrast to the theme of the book.

2 – The author of the book

Hosea (1:1).

3 – The historical setting

  • Hosea prophesied in the Northern Kingdom (See 7:5).
  • It was in the last days of the Northern Kingdom (See 1:1) Hosea prophesied some time before 753 BC and after 715 BC The Northern Kingdom fell in 722 BC and Hosea is carried into captivity by the Assyrians.
  • There are two great military powers existing at this time. (Assyria and Babylon).
  • The religious condition of the people is bad. There is extensive worship of Baal and idolatry. There are two prophets in the south, Isaiah and Micah. Hosea stands alone in the North.

4 – The theme of the book

God’s love for Israel in the midst of her perversity – This is what Hosea is going to emphasis. Israel is apostate and Hosea emphasises four main themes:-

  • Idolatry.
  • Unfaithfulness to God.
  • They are to be carried into captivity.
  • God is going to restore them from their captivity.

5 – The structure of the book

  • The illustration God wants to give. (Chapters 1 – 3).
    1. Israel’s rejection is symbolised in the three children that Hosea’s wife has in chapter 1:1-9. The first child’s name means “God scatters”, the second’s name means “Not to be pities” and the third’s name means “Not my people”.
    2. The promise of restoration (1:10 – 2:1).
    3. Israel’s infidelity is condemned. (2:2-13)
    4. Their remarriage is assumed (2:14-23).
    5. Hosea’s second marriage (3).
  • The proclamation (Chapters 4 – 14)
    1. The reprobation of Israel is illustrated (4-7).
    2. The retribution is described (8 – 10). God is going to punish.
    3. The restoration of Israel is promised (11-14).

6 – Selected studies from the book

  • The problem of Hosea’s wife. See Hosea 1:2., Hosea is told to marry a prostitute. This seems to be inconsistent with the Holy character of God. What is the solution? What is happening here is not literal but Hosea is having a vision or it is a parable. This is not very likely. This was done to shock the people and is literal. This leaves three possibilities:-
    1. When she is called the wife of whoredom it is referring to spiritual idolatry.
    2. She was not an adulteress when he married her but after they were married she committed adultery. Hosea then divorced her and got remarried.
    3. She was a harlot who was married by Hosea. This is the most likely.
  • The problem of chapter 1:1. This verse refers to the Exodus of Israel from Egypt. The verse is quoted in Matt 2:15. Hosea is referring to Israel as “my son” and in the New Testament it is referring to Jesus Christ as He called out of Egypt at the death of Herod. There are two things to note:-
    1. This is typical prophecy. Israel in their Exodus from Egypt was a type of Christ in His coming out of Egypt many centuries later. This is revealed to Matthew by the Holy Spirit.
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Categories: Bible Outline, Hosea

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