Hosea (2)

Hosea

Hosea 14:1–9 KJV 1900

1 O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; For thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. 2 Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: Say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: So will we render the calves of our lips. 3 Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: Neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: For in thee the fatherless findeth mercy. 4 I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: For mine anger is turned away from him. 5 I will be as the dew unto Israel: He shall grow as the lily, And cast forth his roots as Lebanon. 6 His branches shall spread, And his beauty shall be as the olive tree, And his smell as Lebanon. 7 They that dwell under his shadow shall return; They shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: The scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon. 8 Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found. 9 Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? Prudent, and he shall know them? For the ways of the Lord are right, And the just shall walk in them: But the transgressors shall fall therein.

Israel's Unfaithfulness Punished

The lord uses Hosea wife Gomer as an example of what Israel is doing

Chapter 1: A Marriage Symbolizing Israel’s Unfaithfulness

God commands Hosea to marry Gomer, a woman known for her promiscuity, as a symbol of Israel’s unfaithfulness to the Lord. Despite her infidelity, Hosea remains committed to her, reflecting God’s enduring love for his people even as they stray from him. The children born from this union carry symbolic names reflecting the consequences of Israel’s actions.

Chapter 2: A Promise of Restoration After Judgment

While condemning Israel’s idolatry and unfaithfulness, God also promises a future restoration. He describes a time when Israel will return to God, abandoning their false gods and acknowledging him as their only king. This chapter offers a glimpse of hope amidst the pronouncement of judgment.

Chapter 3: Redeeming Unfaithful Israel

God instructs Hosea to redeem Gomer from her prostitution, symbolizing his willingness to redeem and restore Israel despite their repeated sins. This act signifies the depth of God’s love and his desire for reconciliation with his people.

Chapter 4: A Charge Against Israel and Judah

God holds Israel and Judah accountable for their moral corruption and lack of faithfulness. He accuses them of practicing idolatry, breaking the covenant, and neglecting justice. This chapter highlights the seriousness of their transgressions and the need for repentance.

The Lord Accuses Israel

Hos 4:1  Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

Chapter 5: The Consequences of Rebellion

Hosea compares Israel to a decaying plant withering due to its rebellion. He warns of the coming judgment and the consequences of their disobedience, including exile and captivity. This chapter emphasizes the inevitable consequences of sin and the urgency of turning back to God.

Punishment Coming for Israel and Judah

Hos 5:1  Hear ye this, O priests; and hearken, ye house of Israel; and give ye ear, O house of the king; for judgment is toward you, because ye have been a snare on Mizpah, and a net spread upon Tabor. 

Chapter 6: A Call for Repentance and Renewal

While acknowledging Israel’s past sins, God calls them to repent and return to him. He emphasizes the importance of genuine commitment over empty rituals and ceremonial worship. This chapter offers a pathway towards renewal and restoration but highlights the necessity of true repentance.

Chapter 7: Israel’s Deceit and Impending Judgment

Hosea depicts Israel’s attempts to deceive God and form alliances with other nations for protection. He warns of the dangers of such actions and the inevitable judgment that awaits them for rejecting God’s sovereignty.

Israel and Judah Are Unrepentant

Chapter 8: The Rejection of God’s Law Leads to Destruction

The chapter emphasizes the consequences of rejecting God’s law and instruction. It depicts Israel as a like a windblown cake, signifying its instability and lack of foundation. This chapter highlights the importance of adherence to God’s will and the destructive nature of disobeying him.

Israel Will Reap the Whirlwind

Hos 8:1  Set the trumpet to thy mouth. He shall come as an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law. 

Hos 8:2  Israel shall cry unto me, My God, we know thee. 

Hos 8:3  Israel hath cast off the thing that is good: the enemy shall pursue him. 

Hos 8:4  They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off. 

Hos 8:5  Thy calf, O Samaria, hath cast thee off; mine anger is kindled against them: how long will it be ere they attain to innocency? 

Chapter 9: Lamenting Israel’s Fall from Grace

Hosea laments the downfall of Israel, comparing them to a once-fruitful vine that has become barren due to its unfaithfulness. He expresses his grief over their rejection of God and the hardships they will face as a result.

The Lord Will Punish Israel

Hos 9:1  Rejoice not, O Israel, for joy, as other people: for thou hast gone a whoring from thy God, thou hast loved a reward upon every cornfloor. 

Hos 9:2  The floor and the winepress shall not feed them, and the new wine shall fail in her. 

Hos 9:17  My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him: and they shall be wanderers among the nations. 

Chapter 10: A Nation Led Astray by False Leaders

Hosea criticizes the corrupt and misleading leadership of Israel, comparing them to a poisonous plant that corrupts and destroys. This chapter highlights the detrimental impact of bad leadership and its role in leading the nation astray.

Chapter 11: God’s Enduring Love Despite Israel’s Rebelliousness

Despite Israel’s rebellion, God reminds them of his constant love and care throughout their history. He expresses his desire for their return and restoration, emphasizing his compassion and enduring faithfulness.

The Lord's Love for Israel

Hos 11:1  When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. 

Chapter 12: A Call for Genuine Repentance and Return

Hosea calls for a sincere turning away from sin and a genuine return to God. He emphasizes the importance of inner transformation and true repentance over superficial actions. This chapter highlights the need for a change of heart to experience restoration.

The Lord's Indictment of Israel and Judah

Chapter 13: The Unforeseen Consequences of Idolatry

Hosea warns of the unexpected and devastating consequences of relying on false gods and rejecting God’s will. As being attacked by a lion, symbolizing the vulnerability they have created through their disobedience.

The Lord's Relentless Judgment on Israel

Chapter 14: A Promise of Restoration and Renewal

Despite the pronouncements of judgment, the book concludes with a message of hope and restoration. God promises to forgive his people and heal their land if they truly repent and return to him. This chapter offers a hopeful conclusion, emphasizing God’s ultimate desire for reconciliation with his people.

A Plea to Return to the Lord