Hosea- Introduction

Additional Details

• Author: Hosea
• Audience: The people of Israel
• Original Hebrew Name: הוֹשׁע
• Translated Greek Name: Ὡσηέ
• Common English Name: Hosea
• Transliteration: Hoshea
• Meaning: Safety
• Date Created: c 759 BCE
• Content Reference Time: c 771-759 BCE
• Key Individuals:
  • Hosea
  • Gomer
  • Jezreel, son of Hosea
  • Lo-ruhamah, daughter of Hosea
  • Lo-ammi, son of Hosea
• Key Themes:
  • Hosea's wife of harlotry and her redemption by Hosea (Hosea 1:1-3:5)
  • G-d's nation of harlotry and her redemption by G-d (Hosea 4:1-14:9)
• Date Canonized: c 499-100 BCE
• Abstract:

  The book of Hosea is a historical narrative delivered as a metaphor for the relationship between G-d and His people.  Hosea prophesies in a period of steep moral and spiritual decline for the northern kingdom of Israel.  Although the nation was financially wealthy, their prosperity led them into a period of unparalleled idolatry and moral decay.  G-d instructs Hosea to take a "wife of harlotry" (i.e., a prostitute).  Her unfaithfulness to Hosea serves as a striking illustration of Israel's unfaithfulness to G-d.  Hosea warned the nation of the judgment that would come unless they repented and returned to G-d.  The book reveals the depth of G-d's love for His people, a love that does not allow any rivals.

• Location Created: Israel
• Content Location: Samaria and Ephraim within Israel
• Teaches:
  • Israel was like Hosea's harlot wife.
  • G-d judged Israel's sin.
  • G-d loves Israel.
  • G-d will restore Israel as His bride.
• Chapters: 14
• Verses: 197