Hosea is a lived prophecy rather than a spoken
(written) prophecy like Amos.
Hosea and Amos were contemporaries. While Amos was from the southern kingdom (Judah) sent to prophesy in the northern kingdom (Israel), Hosea was a northerner speaking to northerners.
Hosea was instructed by God to take Gomer, a harlot, as his wife. Gomer bore him three children named at the Lord’s direction:
- Jezreel – “I will put an end to the house of Israel.” Ch 1:4
- Not pitied – “for I will no more have pity on the house of Israel, to forgive them at all.” Ch 1:6
- Not my people – “for you are not my people and I am not your God.” Ch 1:8
Hosea is also the prophet of God’s love. When Gomer
strays and is put up for sale on the slave block, Hosea buys her back. Hosea
speaks to the nature of the relationship between God and people.
Ch 6:6 – “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God, rather than burnt offerings.
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