ESV Global Study Bible :: Introduction to Hosea

INTRODUCTION TO
HOSEA

Timeline

Author and Date

Hosea prophesied during the latter half of the eighth century b.c. (c. 753-722 b.c.). This period was an extremely difficult time in Israel's history, just before the northern kingdom went into exile.

Audience and Purpose

Hosea's primary audience was Ephraim (another name for the northern kingdom, Israel), which is mentioned 35 times in the book. Hosea wanted to see Israel turn back to God.

Background and Overview

Israel is the Lord's bride, but Israel has instead joined itself to Baal, the false god worshiped in Syria-Palestine. Worshiping Baal violates the first of the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:3). It is also a betrayal of God's intimate union with his people. Therefore Hosea describes it as spiritual adultery, an offense against the marriage between the Lord and Israel. He compares Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness to the ingratitude of a wayward wife. Such unfaithfulness justifies the Lord's coming judgment. But punishment is not ultimately what the Lord wants for his people. He desires that they leave their sin. He wants them to return to the One who first loved them and who can provide what is best for them.

Key Themes

1. Hosea frequently refers to the Pentateuch, the foundation of Israel's relationship to God (e.g., 1:10; 6:7; 7:13; 9:6-10; 11:1-4; 12:2-5; 9-10; 12-13; 13:4-6).
2. Hosea stresses divine sovereignty. God speaks in the first person, "I," almost a hundred times in the book.
3. Hosea's personal life illustrates the Lord's compassion (chs. 1-3).
4. Isolation/exile, which is coming upon Israel, is a way to restoration (1:6-7; 2:14-23; 5:6-6:3; 11:8-11; 12:9).

Outline

Chapters 1-3 use Hosea's own marriage as a parable for the relationship between God and Israel. The dominant image is of Israel as an unfaithful wife. Chapters 4-14 detail the comparison, with its series of accusations, warnings, appeals, and motivations for God's people to return.

1. Biographical: Hosea's Family (1:1-3:5)
2. Accusations, Warnings, and Promises for Israel (4:1-14:9)

The Near East at the Time of Hosea