Invitation to the Old Testament 18: Hosea

HOSEA: 

HOSEA “Your Cheatin ’ Heart”

Introduction: 

Introduction Hosea and Amos prophesied at about the same time. The latter was a southerner who delivered scathing messages to Israel, while Hosea was a northerner who spoke with brokenness and passion. Isaiah and Micah were ministering to Judah during the time Hosea and Amos were ministering to Israel. 2 Kings 15-17 gives us an idea of what it was like in Israel during Hosea's time. There was political instability (7 kings reigned during Hosea's time), economic prosperity, and moral bankruptcy (idolatry, immorality, rejection of God's love).

What do we know about the prophet Hosea?: 

What do we know about the prophet Hosea? Hosea means "salvation". Hosea was the son of Beeri. Hosea was from the Northern Kingdom of Israel. He is called the "Jeremiah of the North". He lived to see the captivity of his people. Hosea is the prophet of love.

When did the events in Hosea take place?: 

When did the events in Hosea take place? The date of Hosea’s ministry was between 760 - 710 B.C. Hosea ministered from the time of Jeroboam II to the end of the Northern Kingdom. Jonah also ministered during the time of Jeroboam II. (Jonah was the Northern Kingdom's foreign missionary, and Hosea was its home missionary.) During Hosea's lifetime the kings Uzziah , Jotham , Ahaz , and Hezekiah reigned in the Southern Kingdom.

What is the primary message of Hosea?: 

What is the primary message of Hosea? The theme of Hosea is the faithfulness and love of God for Israel.

Why did God give us the book of Hosea?: 

Why did God give us the book of Hosea? The purpose of Hosea is… To picture the unfaithfulness of Israel by Hosea’s marriage To convince Israel that she needed to repent

What would an overview of Hosea look like?: 

What would an overview of Hosea look like? A. Personal history (1-3) 1. Marriage to Gomer (1) ~ 3 views of marriage a. Allegorical b. Hosea married a woman who was already a harlot. c. Gomer became a harlot after the marriage. 2. Unfaithfulness of Gomer (2) 3. Redemption of Gomer (3)

What would an overview of Hosea look like?: 

What would an overview of Hosea look like? B. National history (4-14) 1. Judgment (4-10) 2. Restoration (11-14)

Applications: 

Applications When we are prosperous we must be especially careful about not turning our backs on God. (Adam did; Sodom and Gomorrah did; Israel did; the Church at Laodicea did.) Anything which holds more of our attention and affection than God is an idol and by cherishing it we are playing the part of a spiritual harlot. Though we have wronged Him, God is ready to receive us back.