Hosea

Hoh-zay´uh; Heb., “[God] has saved”

The book of, the first book of the Minor Prophets. Hosea was active from the middle of the eighth century BCE to the last years of the Northern Kingdom. He describes God’s anger at Israel’s sins and warns of God’s punishment of the nation.

Outline of Contents

Hosea

I. Hosea’s marriage; symbol of God’s relationship with Israel (Hos 1:1-3:5)

A. Hosea’s family: God’s judgment (Hos 1:1-2:1)

B. God and Israel: warnings of judgment for unfaithfulness and promise of restoration (Hos 2:2-23)

C. The husband’s love (Hosea and God)

II. Israel’s unfaithfulness to God and its consequences (Hos 4:1-13:16)

A. Charges of infidelity against people and leaders (Hos 4:1-5:7)

B. Warnings of punishment until repentance occurs (Hos 5:8-6:4)

C. Pervasiveness of Israel’s transgressions, geographical, ethical, political, cultic (Hos 6:5-8:14)

D. Judgment in light of Israel’s history with God (Hos 9:1-13:16)

III. Israel after judgment (Hos 14:1-9)

A. Call to repentance and promise of restoration (Hos 14:1-8)

B. Instruction for the reader to take heed (Hos 14:9)