Hosea

786-746 BC (Mid 8th Century BC)
Hosea the prophet spoke against Jereboam of Israel
-their allegiance with Assyria
-That this alliance was a rejection of the Lord
-That the monarchy and priestly system led people astray
By failing to teach true knowledge of God

Hosea's marriage to Gomer was a symbol against Astarte and Baal
as well as a symbol of the love of God.

Outline:
1:1 Introduction
I. Main Body - An appeal for Israel's return to the Lord
a. 1:2-11 God's instructions for Marrying a prostitute - Gomer
b. 2:1-14:8 Hosea's speeches
2:1-3:5 Appeal for Gomer's Return
4:1-19 God's Charge
5:1-13:6 Specific charges of God
14:1-8 Appeal to Return
II. Conclusion

I. Hosea's Marriage
Gomer is Israel, a harlot
Jezreel - a sign of defeat (of Jehu)
Lo-Ruhamah - there will be no mercy
Lo-Ammi - you are not my people

Why would God call Hosea to such a difficult/unlawful act (marrying a prostitute)?

Who is this story really about? Israel through the illustration of Hosea/Gomer

What are the stories' implications?
-2:5 Israel acted shamefully (rebellion)
-2:10 uncover her shame (guilt)
-2:11 end to her festivals (idolatry)
-2:13 punishment
-2:14-15 call her back (Israel)
-2:16-23 restore her (Israel)

What were the sins of Israel?
4:2 They teach their children to sin.
They turn to everyone else but God.
8:1-14 Violated the covenant

But though your sins are like scarlet... (Isaiah 1:18)
There is always a call back to faith and faithfulness
6:2 "...on the third day he will raise us up..."
This is resurrection language!

11:1 When Israel was a child, I loved him and out of Egypt I called my Son.
All that God does for us is about bringing us closer to Him!

14:1-9 The Radical Love of God
Hosea's prophecy is about a call for repentance, a change of ways.
14:2 Return to the Lord
14:5 Symbols of this repentance/forgiven lives (as both a nation and as individuals)

What do these symbols represent?
What is Hosea's message for us today?
God is righteous, just, jealous, merciful, forgiving.
We are loved, special, God's own.
And that God continues to fight for us!

God's love is radical and never ceasing to reach us.