Hosea 1:1 – 11
Hosea was one of four prophets in the 700's B.C. who dictated their prophecies to a scribe or personally wrote them down. He and Amos ministered to Israel to the north. Isaiah and Micah ministered to Judah in the south at about the same time. All had the same message—the unfaithfulness of God's people and coming judgment, but each stated it a little differently. Hosea is the first of what are called the writings of the "minor prophets", but this refers only to the length of the writing, not to the importance of the prophet.
God chose to reveal very little of Hosea's background, perhaps to help us stay focused on Hosea's marriage, meant to reflect God's relationship with His people.
Although Hosea only mentions Jeroboam II as king of Israel, there were six northern kings during the time of the southern kings mentioned by the prophet. In those days Assyria and Babylon were busy in other areas, so the nations of the future Palestine were free practice their commerce, gain wealth and stability, and live in relative peace.
Unfortunately, there were two major moral problems building in both nations. The rich took advantage of the poor in order to build their own power and wealth, and both nations pursued idols instead of remaining faithful to the true God. The prosperity of the region would collapse as Hosea's ministry closed.
From the comments of the prophet and his description of historical events, commentators estimate that God called Hosea as a prophet in the later years of King Jeroboam II, around 760 B.C. He ministered at least thirty years, perhaps almost until Israel fell to Assyria in 722 B.C. Some scholars believe that Hosea's apparent familiarity with Judah may have resulted in the preservation of his writing, as those in the south took them and protected them from destruction.
Hosea's marriage was to illustrate the relationship between God and His people. Like Gomer, they were unfaithful; like Hosea, God would take them back even in their guilt.
Hosea's son, Jezreel, reminded the people of the injustice done by Jehu when he exceeded God's instruction in his slaughter of King Ahab's family. His daughter's name, Lo-ruhamah, meant "not pitied". His second son's name meant "not my people". Yet, along with the announcement of judgment is the promise of restoration.
In verse 7, Hosea's message from God emphasizes that, at least at this time, He will continue to protect and rescue Judah to the south.
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