Introduction to the Book of Hosea
|
The prophet Hosea preached in the northern kingdom of Israel, after the prophet Amos, during the troubled times before the fall of Samaria in 721 B.C. He was especially concerned about the idolatry of the people and their faithlessness toward God. Hosea boldly pictured this faithlessness in terms of his own disastrous marriage to an unfaithful woman. Just as his wife Gomer turned out to be unfaithful to him, so Cods people had deserted the Lord. For this, judgment would fall on Israel. Yet in the end Cod’s constant love for his people would prevail, and he would win the nation back to himself and restore the relationship. This love is expressed in the moving words: “How can I give you up. Israel? How can I abandon you?... My heart will not let me do it! My love for you is too strong" (11.8).
Outline of Contents
- Hosea's marriage and family 1.1—3.5
- Messages against Israel 4.1—13.16
- A message of repentance and promise 14.1—9
Source:
The Book of Hosea. (1972). In Catholic (Ed.), May they be one Bible: Good news translation (2013 ed., p. 1248). Bible Society.
