Author:
Hosea 1:1 identifies the author of the book as the Prophet
Hosea. It is Hosea’s personal account of his prophetic messages to the children
of God and to the world. Hosea is the only prophet of Israel who left any
written prophecies which were recorded during the later years of his life.
Date of Writing:
Hosea, the son of Beeri, prophesied for quite some time, from
785 to 725 B.C. The Book of Hosea was likely written between 755 and 725 B.C.
Purpose of Writing:
Hosea wrote this book to remind the Israelites—and us—that
ours is a loving God whose loyalty to His covenant people is unwavering. In
spite of Israel’s continual turning to false gods, God’s steadfast love is
portrayed in the long-suffering husband of the unfaithful wife. Hosea’s message
is also one of warning to those who would turn their backs on God’s love.
Through the symbolic presentation of the marriage of Hosea and Gomer, God’s
love for the idolatrous nation of Israel is displayed in a rich metaphor in the
themes of sin, judgment, and forgiving love.
Key Verses:
Hosea 1:2, "When the LORD began to speak through Hosea,
the LORD said to him, 'Go, take to yourself an adulterous wife and children of
unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing
from the LORD.’"
Hosea 2:23, “I will plant her for myself in the land; I will
show my love to the one I called 'Not my loved one.' I will say to those called
'Not my people,' 'You are my people'; and they will say, 'You are my God.'”
Hosea 6:6, “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and
acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.”
Hosea 14:2-4; “Take words with you and return to the LORD.
Say to him: 'Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer
the fruit of our lips. Assyria cannot save us; we will not mount war-horses. We
will never again say "Our gods" to what our own hands have made, for
in you the fatherless find compassion.' "I will heal their waywardness and
love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them.’”
Ref: copyright: www.gotquestions.org
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