The study of Hosea
Hosea
The Genre of this book is prophetic and poetic. The book contains literary techniques such as proverbs and folk sayings. The main theme of this book is that God is a long-suffering and faithful in his covenant with the people of Israel. That despite Israel’s Idolatrous ways God will not give up on his chosen people. The beginning of this book describes the marriage of Hosea the prophet. God commands Hosea to marry his wife Gomar. She bares him three children then walks away, over and over to be with her lovers. This is meant to be symbolic of Israel returning time after time to idolatry. Despite Hosea providing for his entire wife’s needs food, clothing, housing, security, she continues to betray him. He is in great anguish over his wayward bride. This symbolizes the same betrayal and heartache Israel has given to God, by breaking their covenant with him. Hosea compares Israel actions to turning from a marriage, to a life of prostitution. God then instructs Hosea to buy back his wife with a price. In this book Hosea tells of Gods Judgment but also of his desire to restore a relationship with Israel. We learn in this book that God Judgment is not simply to punish Israel, but to give Israel, mercy, restoration, redemption and reestablish of the covenant. The lord’s promise of hope always follows judgment. This prophetic message of Hosea, tells of the coming messiah and Israel being restored to God.
The Genre of this book is prophetic and poetic. The book contains literary techniques such as proverbs and folk sayings. The main theme of this book is that God is a long-suffering and faithful in his covenant with the people of Israel. That despite Israel’s Idolatrous ways God will not give up on his chosen people. The beginning of this book describes the marriage of Hosea the prophet. God commands Hosea to marry his wife Gomar. She bares him three children then walks away, over and over to be with her lovers. This is meant to be symbolic of Israel returning time after time to idolatry. Despite Hosea providing for his entire wife’s needs food, clothing, housing, security, she continues to betray him. He is in great anguish over his wayward bride. This symbolizes the same betrayal and heartache Israel has given to God, by breaking their covenant with him. Hosea compares Israel actions to turning from a marriage, to a life of prostitution. God then instructs Hosea to buy back his wife with a price. In this book Hosea tells of Gods Judgment but also of his desire to restore a relationship with Israel. We learn in this book that God Judgment is not simply to punish Israel, but to give Israel, mercy, restoration, redemption and reestablish of the covenant. The lord’s promise of hope always follows judgment. This prophetic message of Hosea, tells of the coming messiah and Israel being restored to God.
