Introduction

Hosea’s message is directed to the Northern Kingdom which he often refers to as Ephraim because it is one of the largest, most dominant tribes. He also makes a couple of references, in passing, to the Southern Kingdom to warn them that the same thing could happen to them.

Background

The stable reign of Jeroboam II was coming to an end. This would be followed by a period of instability when six kings reigned over the last 25 years. Four were murdered whilst in office, one was taken into captivity and only one died a natural death.

In 735 BC Tiglath-Pileser III invaded the Northern area of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, 2 Kings 15:29. This was the beginning of the oppression. Later on, King Hoshea of Israel and King So of Egypt conspired against Assyria.

Hoshea was arrested and imprisoned by Shalmaneser I, 2 Kings 17:1-6. Shalmaneser began a siege which was to last for three years, 724-721 B.C. The siege was completed by Sargon II. The siege ended when the Israelites were carried off and foreigners were brought in to occupy Samaria.

Hosea warns about the people of Israel, that is, the Northern Kingdom, going into captivity.

Hosea

The names Hosea means ‘God is salvation’ but there are various forms of the same name such as Hoshea, Joshua and Jesus. We know nothing else about the man, other than the fact that he ministered God’s Word to the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

He is the son of Beeri, Hosea 1:1 and he had three children who played a vital part in his message to the nation of Israel, Jezreel, Hosea 1:4, Lo-Ruhamah, Hosea 1:6, and Lo-Ammi, Hosea 1:8.

Author

The very first verse of the Book of Hosea tells us that Hosea wrote the book, Hosea 1:1.

Date

The date is indicated to us in Hosea 1:1 ‘The word of the Lord came to Hosea son of Beeri during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the reign of Jeroboam son of Joash king of Israel.’ The probable date is around 750 B.C. although he was working as a prophet from 30 to 60/70 years according to these kingly reigns.

He was working under the Assyrian depression at the time of Tiglath-Pileser III. Assyria is named several times in the book, Hosea 7:11 / Hosea 11:5 / Hosea 11:11 / Hosea 12:1 / Hosea 12:3.

Outline

The training of the Prophet. Hosea 1-3

Domestic Circumstances. Hosea 1:1-2:1

Gomer’s unfaithfulness. Hosea 2:2-23

Gomer restored. Hosea 3:1-5

The teachings of the Prophet. Hosea 4-14

Pollution and its cause. Hosea 4:1-6:3

Pollution and its punishment. Hosea 6:4-10:15

The love of God. Hosea 11:1-14:9

Theme

The basic theme and message of the book are God is a God of love and righteousness.

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