hosea part one

Hosea: The Married Prophet Part One:

Hosea: The Married Prophet Part One Friendship Baptist Church Rev. Brian Chilton

Question of the Week:

Question of the Week Question 31: In the book of Hosea, who was Jezreel’s grandfather? Answer: Either “ Beeri ”, Hosea’s father or “ Diblaim ”, Gomer’s father. Question 32: Who did Ephraim (KJV/NASB), or Israel (some translations), turn to when they saw their sickness and Judah “saw his wound”?

Next Bible study…:

Next Bible study… After this study, we will look at the book of Zechariah. Zechariah marks the final book in our Bible Study of the “Minor Prophets.” Think about which of the following you would like to study next and we will take a vote near the end of the study in Hosea: Study of Genesis Study of Samuel Writings Study of Matthew’s Gospel Study of Corinthian Letters

Hosea: Introduction:

Hosea: Introduction Author: Hosea, son of Beeri . Hosea’s name [ הֹושֵׁעַ “ Howshea ” ] means “salvation.” Jesus’ name [ awvy “ Yeshua ” “ Ihsou ς ” or “ Iesous ” in Greek” ] is a transliteration of “Hosea” and “Joshua”. Jesus’ and Joshua’s name means “God saves” where Hosea’s name means just “salvation.” Hosea appears to have been one of the most educated prophets as he shows thorough knowledge of the Torah and Writings of Scripture. Date: Hosea succeeded Amos by a few years. Amos preached more judgment whereas Hosea preached more grace. Hosea would have ministered around 753-715 BC. Theme(s): Hosea is one of the most difficult books to translate in Hebrew, along with the Book of Job. Many translators have said that Job may be slightly more difficult to translate than Hosea, but not by much. There are essentially three themes to the book of Hosea: Sin Judgment Salvation

Hosea: Outline:

Hosea: Outline I. Hosea’s Times (1:1) II. Hosea’s Experience: A Portrayal of God’s Dealings with Israel (1:2-3:5) A. The symbolism of Hosea’s family (1:2-2:1) 1. Hosea’s marriage: Israel’s unfaithfulness (1:2-3a) 2. Hosea’s children: Israel’s judgment (1:3b-9) 3. The symbolism reversed (1:10-2:1) B. Restoration through punishment (2:2-23) 1. The Lord’s punishment of Israel (2:2-13) 2. The Lord’s restoration of Israel (2:14-23) C. The restoration of Hosea’s marriage (chap. 3) 1. The divine command (3:1) 2. Hosea’s obedient response (3:2-3) 3. The illustration explained (3:4-5) III. Hosea’s Message: God’s Judgment and Restoration of Israel (chaps. 4-14) A. The Lord’s case against Israel (4:1-6:3) 1. Israel’s guilt exposed (chap. 4) 2. Israel’s judgment announced (5:1-14) 3. Israel’s restoration envisioned (5:15-6:3) B. The Lord’s case against Israel expanded (6:4-11:11) 1. Israel’s guilt and punishment (6:4-8:14) 2. Israel’s guilt and punishment reiterated (9:1-11:7) 3. The Lord’s compassion renewed (11:8-11) C. The Lord’s case against Israel concluded (11:12-14:9) 1. A concluding indictment (11:12-13:16) 2. A concluding exhortation (chap. 14) John F. Walvoord , Roy B. Zuck and Dallas Theological Seminary, vol. 1, The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983-), 1378.

Tonight’s outline::

Tonight’s outline: I. Hosea’s Times (1:1) II. Hosea’s Experience: A Portrayal of God’s Dealings with Israel (1:2-3:5) A. The symbolism of Hosea’s family (1:2-2:1) 1. Hosea’s marriage: Israel’s unfaithfulness (1:2-3a) 2. Hosea’s children: Israel’s judgment (1:3b-9) 3. The symbolism reversed (1:10-2:1) B. Restoration through punishment (2:2-23) 1. The Lord’s punishment of Israel (2:2-13) 2. The Lord’s restoration of Israel (2:14-23) C. The restoration of Hosea’s marriage (chap. 3) 1. The divine command (3:1) 2. Hosea’s obedient response (3:2-3) 3. The illustration explained (3:4-5)

I. Hosea’s Times (1:1) :

I. Hosea’s Times (1:1) 1 The word of the LORD that came unto Hosea, the son of Beeri , in the days of Uzziah , Jotham , Ahaz , and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash , king of Israel. (KJV) 1 The word of the LORD which came to Hosea the son of Beeri , during the days of Uzziah , Jotham , Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash , king of Israel. (NAS95) Hosea’s name is the same as Israel’s last king. Hosea gives us the kings that reigned during his prophetic ministry. Hosea had a long ministry. Although Hosea speaks primarily to Israel, he will also speak to Judah. Note that Hosea lists both the kings of Judah and the kings of Israel.

II. Hosea’s Experience: A Portrayal of God’s Dealings with Israel (1:2-3:5) A. The symbolism of Hosea’s family (1:2-2:1) :

II. Hosea’s Experience: A Portrayal of God’s Dealings with Israel (1:2-3:5) A. The symbolism of Hosea’s family (1:2-2:1) 2 The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms : for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the LORD. 3 So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim ; which conceived, and bare him a son. 4 And the LORD said unto him, Call his name Jezreel ; for yet a little while, and I will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and will cause to cease the kingdom of the house of Israel. 5 And it shall come to pass at that day, that I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel . 6 And she conceived again, and bare a daughter. And God said unto him, Call her name Loruhamah : for I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away. 7 But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the LORD their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen. 8 Now when she had weaned Loruhamah , she conceived, and bare a son. 9 Then said God, Call his name Loammi : for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God. 10 Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God. 11 Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel . 2:1 Say ye unto your brethren, Ammi ; and to your sisters, Ruhamah . (KJV) 2 When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, the LORD said to Hosea, "Go, take to yourself a wife of harlotry and have children of harlotry; for the land commits flagrant harlotry, forsaking the LORD." 3 So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim , and she conceived and bore him a son. 4 And the LORD said to him, "Name him Jezreel ; for yet a little while, and I will punish the house of Jehu for the bloodshed of Jezreel , and I will put an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel. 5 "On that day I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel ." 6 Then she conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. And the LORD said to him, "Name her Lo- ruhamah , for I will no longer have compassion on the house of Israel, that I would ever forgive them. 7 "But I will have compassion on the house of Judah and deliver them by the LORD their God, and will not deliver them by bow, sword, battle, horses or horsemen." 8 When she had weaned Lo- ruhamah , she conceived and gave birth to a son. 9 And the LORD said, "Name him Lo- ammi , for you are not My people and I am not your God." 10 Yet the number of the sons of Israel Will be like the sand of the sea, Which cannot be measured or numbered; And in the place Where it is said to them, "You are not My people," It will be said to them, "You are the sons of the living God." 11 And the sons of Judah and the sons of Israel will be gathered together, And they will appoint for themselves one leader, And they will go up from the land, For great will be the day of Jezreel . 2:1 Say to your brothers, " Ammi ," and to your sisters, " Ruhamah ." (NAS95)

1. Hosea’s marriage: Israel’s unfaithfulness (1:2-3a) :

1. Hosea’s marriage: Israel’s unfaithfulness (1:2-3a) Hosea will alternate his messages between judgment and salvation. Hosea begins by speaking of the Lord’s direction in marrying a “loose” woman. This woman, whose name is Gomer (the daughter of Diblaim ), would be unfaithful to Hosea although Hosea loved her. Hosea’s love for Gomer and Gomer’s unfaithfulness would serve as an example of the people’s unfaithfulness to God and God’s constant love for the people. When we are unfaithful to God, it is the same as committing adultery as we are in a covenant relationship.

2. Hosea’s children: Israel’s judgment (1:3b-9) :

2. Hosea’s children: Israel’s judgment (1:3b-9) (3b) The first son was named “ Jezreel .” Jezreel means “God sows.” The name represents the destruction that was coming to the city of Jezreel . (5) “Breaking the bow” represents the destruction of Jezreel and Israel’s military might. This would be fulfilled in 734 BC. (6-7) The second child receives the name “Lo- Ruhamah ” which means “she is not loved.” God used the title “El Ruhamah ” which showed forth His love for the people. Because of rebellion and sin, it would seem as if God’s love was severed for a time. (8-9) The third child receives the name “Lo- Ammi ” which means “not my people.” The nation would not receive His saving grace for a period of time. How awful would it be for a nation or a person to receive no mercy from God! Such is the case for the soul who dies in an unrepentant state.

3. The symbolism reversed (1:10-2:1):

3. The symbolism reversed (1:10-2:1) (1:10) Although God would have to bring judgment, He would not be finished with the nation. The future inhabitants of Israel would be so numerous that the descendants would not even be able to be counted. God would restore the covenant. This would ultimately happen in the Messiah. (1:11) The nation would re-emerge as one unified nation. It would be as if God planted seed and the people would be the harvest as the nation would be re-built. The “Valley of Jezreel ” may be indicative of God’s new reign in the area led by the Messiah. (2:1) God speaks of two future children which would speak of the nation’s restoration. The two future children would be named “ Ammi ” means “My people.” “ Ruhamah ” means “My loved one.” Although it may appear otherwise, God would not stop loving His people.

B. Restoration through punishment (2:2-23) :

B. Restoration through punishment (2:2-23) Hosea 2 2 Plead with your mother, plead: for she is not my wife, neither am I her husband: let her therefore put away her whoredoms out of her sight, and her adulteries from between her breasts; 3 Lest I strip her naked, and set her as in the day that she was born, and make her as a wilderness, and set her like a dry land, and slay her with thirst. 4 And I will not have mercy upon her children; for they be the children of whoredoms . 5 For their mother hath played the harlot: she that conceived them hath done shamefully: for she said, I will go after my lovers, that give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, mine oil and my drink. 6 Therefore, behold, I will hedge up thy way with thorns, and make a wall, that she shall not find her paths. 7 And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them; and she shall seek them, but shall not find them: then shall she say, I will go and return to my first husband; for then was it better with me than now. 8 For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, which they prepared for Baal. 9 Therefore will I return, and take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and will recover my wool and my flax given to cover her nakedness. 10 And now will I discover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers, and none shall deliver her out of mine hand. 11 I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths , and all her solemn feasts. 12 And I will destroy her vines and her fig trees, whereof she hath said, These are my rewards that my lovers have given me: and I will make them a forest, and the beasts of the field shall eat them . Hosea 2 2 "Contend with your mother, contend, For she is not my wife, and I am not her husband; And let her put away her harlotry from her face And her adultery from between her breasts, 3 Or I will strip her naked And expose her as on the day when she was born. I will also make her like a wilderness, Make her like desert land And slay her with thirst. 4 "Also, I will have no compassion on her children, Because they are children of harlotry. 5 "For their mother has played the harlot; She who conceived them has acted shamefully. For she said, 'I will go after my lovers, Who give me my bread and my water, My wool and my flax, my oil and my drink.' 6 "Therefore, behold, I will hedge up her way with thorns, And I will build a wall against her so that she cannot find her paths. 7 "She will pursue her lovers, but she will not overtake them; And she will seek them, but will not find them. Then she will say, 'I will go back to my first husband, For it was better for me then than now!' 8 "For she does not know that it was I who gave her the grain, the new wine and the oil, And lavished on her silver and gold, Which they used for Baal. 9 "Therefore, I will take back My grain at harvest time And My new wine in its season. I will also take away My wool and My flax Given to cover her nakedness. 10 "And then I will uncover her lewdness In the sight of her lovers, And no one will rescue her out of My hand. 11 "I will also put an end to all her gaiety, Her feasts, her new moons, her sabbaths And all her festal assemblies. 12 "I will destroy her vines and fig trees, Of which she said, 'These are my wages Which my lovers have given me.' And I will make them a forest, And the beasts of the field will devour them.

Restoration through punishment (Continued):

Restoration through punishment (Continued) 13 And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim , wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD. 14 Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. 15 And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt. 16 And it shall be at that day, saith the LORD, that thou shalt call me Ishi ; and shalt call me no more Baali . 17 For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name. 18 And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely. 19 And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness , and in mercies. 20 I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD. 21 And it shall come to pass in that day, I will hear, saith the LORD, I will hear the heavens, and they shall hear the earth; 22 And the earth shall hear the corn, and the wine, and the oil; and they shall hear Jezreel . 23 And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God. (KJV 13 "I will punish her for the days of the Baals When she used to offer sacrifices to them And adorn herself with her earrings and jewelry, And follow her lovers, so that she forgot Me," declares the LORD. 14 "Therefore, behold, I will allure her, Bring her into the wilderness And speak kindly to her. 15 "Then I will give her her vineyards from there, And the valley of Achor as a door of hope. And she will sing there as in the days of her youth, As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt. 16 "It will come about in that day," declares the LORD, "That you will call Me Ishi And will no longer call Me Baali . 17 "For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth, So that they will be mentioned by their names no more. 18 "In that day I will also make a covenant for them With the beasts of the field, The birds of the sky And the creeping things of the ground. And I will abolish the bow, the sword and war from the land, And will make them lie down in safety. 19 "I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, In lovingkindness and in compassion, 20 And I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the LORD. 21 "It will come about in that day that I will respond," declares the LORD. "I will respond to the heavens, and they will respond to the earth, 22 And the earth will respond to the grain, to the new wine and to the oil, And they will respond to Jezreel . 23 "I will sow her for Myself in the land. I will also have compassion on her who had not obtained compassion, And I will say to those who were not My people, 'You are My people!' And they will say, 'You are my God!'" (NAS95)

1. The Lord’s punishment of Israel (2:2-13) :

1. The Lord’s punishment of Israel (2:2-13) (2:2-4) “Punishment Threatened” There are three threats in this passage: 1. The wife was threatened to be “stripped.” This means that her sins would be exposed for all to see. 2. Her powers of fertility would be removed. 3. The children would be covered in shame due to the wife’s adultery. These were threats that could have happened, but the text shows that God never did these. As a matter of fact, Hosea was commanded to stay with Gomer and care for the children. The greater illustration is God’s continual care for His people. (2:5-13) “Punishment Initiated” The punishment was far less than what it could have been. 1. The people were deprived of those things that caused idolatry (adultery). (2:5-7) Their wants were not given where only their needs were met. 2. The people were deprived of God’s blessings. (2:8-13) God ceased to bless the nation and the people for a certain period of time. It was like the nation was “grounded.”

2. The Lord’s restoration of Israel (2:14-23):

2. The Lord’s restoration of Israel (2:14-23) (2:14-15) “Renewed Love ” God would restore the land. He would not leave them as they sought to do to Him. This is the example of “ agape” love or “ חֶסֶד “. These terms identify an unconditional love, a love of choice. (2:16-20) “Renewed Marriage ” The marriage would be renewed. Instead of referring to her husband as “ Ba’ali ” (Master), she would refer to her husband as “ Ishi ” (my husband). Likewise, when we experience the grace of God, we no longer see God as just our Master, but our Friend. (2:21-23) “Renewed Blessing” The blessings once held back would come again. The rains would come, the land would be fertile, and the people would be blessed.

C. The restoration of Hosea’s marriage (chap. 3) :

C. The restoration of Hosea’s marriage (chap. 3) Hosea 3 1 Then said the LORD unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine. 2 So I bought her to me for fifteen pieces of silver, and for an homer of barley, and an half homer of barley: 3 And I said unto her, Thou shalt abide for me many days; thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not be for another man: so will I also be for thee. 4 For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim : 5 Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days. (KJV) Hosea 3 1 Then the LORD said to me, "Go again, love a woman who is loved by her husband, yet an adulteress, even as the LORD loves the sons of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes." 2 So I bought her for myself for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a half of barley. 3 Then I said to her, "You shall stay with me for many days. You shall not play the harlot, nor shall you have a man; so I will also be toward you." 4 For the sons of Israel will remain for many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar and without ephod or household idols. 5 Afterward the sons of Israel will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king; and they will come trembling to the LORD and to His goodness in the last days. (NAS95)

1. The divine command (3:1) :

1. The divine command (3:1) Hosea was instructed to love Gomer once again despite her unfaithfulness. Israel had been disobedient and adulterous turning to other gods. What about raisin cakes? What makes raisin cakes so bad? Raisin cakes were delicacies enjoyed during feasts that worshipped Ba’al . It wasn’t the cakes, but the god to whom they ate the cakes. WHEN WE COMMIT IDOLATRY, WE ARE COMMITTING ADULTERY AGAINST GOD!!!

2. Hosea’s obedient response (3:2-3) :

2. Hosea’s obedient response (3:2-3) Hosea bought back his wife. There is a little mystery as to why he had to buy back Gomer. Did they have a legal divorce and did he pay to remarry her? It is possible that this was the case. However, there seems to have been another reason. Did Gomer become a prostitute and did Hosea have to buy her out of the brothel? Yes, this seems to be what happened. It appears that Gomer fell so far in sin that she became a prostitute at the altar of Ba’al . God had so much love for Gomer that He wanted to see her out of that lifestyle. God has so much love for us that He is willing to bring us out of the depths of sin to set us high on the mountaintop. This story resembles Jesus’ parable of the “Prodigal Son.” There is great symbolism here to what Christ did for us. Christ paid the penalty to redeem us from the brothel of sin and selfishness.

3. The illustration explained (3:4-5):

3. The illustration explained (3:4-5) The people would eventually repent and turn from their wicked ways. They would seek God and find Him. God is open and willing to take us back. However, genuine repentance is associated with this comeback. If we are not willing to confess our faults, we are not truly repentant.

Conclusion::

Conclusion: In Hosea, we see a wonderful picture of God’s faithful love. We may fail, fall, and falter, but God’s love for us never diminishes. Just as Hosea was instructed to buy Gomer back from her life of sin, Jesus paid the penalty for all our sins on the cross. We have been lifted from the outhouse of sin to God’s heavenly penthouse.

Next week: hosea part 2:

Next week: hosea part 2 We will see the Lord’s case against Israel in chapters 4-6.

This bible study is brought to you by::

This bible study is brought to you by: Pastor Brian Chilton Ministries Friendship Baptist Church Be sure to look for Part 2 of Hosea next week.