One important aspect of the original order of the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament as we know it (also called the Tanakh), is that the 12 prophetic works of Hosea through Malachi, sometimes referred to as the Minor Prophets, were originally designed as a single book called The Twelve. Hosea is the first book of The Twelve.
Hosea’s work can sometimes be difficult for readers to follow smoothly as it is a collection of some twenty-five years worth of Hosea’s preaching and writing, almost all of which is in the form of poetry. Hosea’s work had been compiled, combined, and designed to have three main sections, consisting of chapters 1-3, 4-11, and 12-14.
Hosea lived in the northern kingdom of Israel about 200 years after it broke off from southern Judah (1 Kgs. 12). He was called to speak on Yahweh’s behalf to the people of Israel (who he also called “Ephraim” or “Jacob”) during the reign of one of Israel’s worst kings, Jeroboam II. This king led the nation into chaos from which it never recovered. In the year 722 B.C.E. the Assyrian empire would swoop in to destroy Israel (2 Kgs. 14-17), and Hosea had seen it all coming.
The context for Hosea’s writing finds the northern kingdom of Israel enjoying moderate success from conquering neighboring kingdoms, but they were spiritually bankrupt. King Jeroboam II grew apathetic and allowed idol worship in the nation, opening the doorway for Israelites to cheat, steal, have dishonorable sex, and even murder each other. Growing cold and distant, they had forgotten about Yahweh’s unending love for them, ushering in tragic consequences.
But Yahweh does not forget Israel even in their self-destruction. Somehow Yahweh’s passionate love for His people is the only possible remedy for their sin. There is still hope. Yahweh will restore Israel to covenant faithfulness and relationship with him because His compassionate love burns brighter than His wrath.
Yahweh is Forever Faithful
In the book of Hosea, Yahweh sends Hosea to Israel to communicate His despair over their perpetual idol worship and dependence on outside nations. Though the people have failed to be faithful covenant partners to Yahweh, His seemingly impossible commitment to them remains.
Take a few minutes as you begin this study of Hosea to ask Yahweh to humble your heart and open your eyes to comprehend more fully both the depth of your sinfulness and the extent of His redeeming love for you.