Hosea

Hosea made his prophecies while living in the northern Kingdom of Israel toward the end of the reign of Jeroboam II, likely to be in the 8th century BC. His prophecies took place over a period of some sixty years, he was perhaps the only prophet who left any written prophecy.

His prophecies tell us about God's love for his people even though they may choose to become unfaithful to him. Even after Israel, his chosen people, turned their backs on him by following after man-made gods, and living contrary to God's laws, he, through his boundless mercy let them know that he would offer them reconciliation.

The marital relationship between Hosea and his unfaithful wife, Gomer can be compared to the relationship God had with the people of Israel. Even though Gomer left Hosea for an adulterous affair with other men, Hosea loved her anyway, and forgave her. In a similar vein, when the people of Israel worshipped false gods, the Lord continued to love them. Yes, he would punish his chosen people, but in the end, he would welcome them back into fellowship with him.

The prophecies in the Book of Hosea appear to be directed to the people of Hosea's time, but they are also aimed at you and I. Yes, there will be consequences for our choice to live in sin, but the Lord still desires that we return to him, and renew our covenant to live for him.