The book of Hosea is the first of the minor prophets. The book is “the word of the LORD that came to Hosea the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel” (Hos. 1:1, NKJV). This helps us to have a timeframe from around 755-725 B.C. for the writing of the book. Hosea’s message is for the Northern Kingdom as is evidenced through his usage of “Ephraim” and “Israel.”
Israel needed such a strong message from the LORD’s prophet for multiple reasons. Concerning their moral state, Israel was far from where they needed to be. “Swearing and lying, killing and stealing and committing adultery” had become common (Hos. 4:2). “Harlotry, wine, and new wine [enslaved] the heart” of the people (Hos. 4:11). Concerning their religious state, Israel had turned from God. The people had “burned incense” to “the Baals” (Hos. 2:13). The priests had no knowledge and were leading the people towards destruction (Hos. 4:6). More and more of God’s children were turning to idols (Hos. 4:12), the law of God was “considered a strange thing” (Hos. 8:12), and God’s people were “bent on backsliding” (Hos. 11:7). Based on their moral and religious landscape, it was clear that the people of Israel needed a message that might help them to turn back to God.
As a result of their clear need for repentance, several great lessons are brought forth through the message of Hosea. One lesson that can be found permeating the book is God’s righteousness. Because of their wickedness, God’s judgment was sure to come (Hos. 9:7). Because of their wickedness, the people needed to repent (Hos. 10:12; 12:6). Despite the people’s wickedness, God still loved them.
Much more could be said concerning the book of Hosea. Hopefully, this will help us to have a better idea of the overall message of the book. Unfaithfulness to God does not go unnoticed, nor it will go unpunished. However, if we will turn back wholeheartedly to our God, we will be spared from the judgment to come and can enjoy His rich blessings.
By: Preston McElyea