Hosea

Why Valuable

1. Which of Jehovah’s qualities especially stands out in the book of Hosea, and how is it illustrated?

IS JEHOVAH a loving Sovereign? Does he care about his worshippers? The book of Hosea answers these questions with a resounding yes by highlighting one of Jehovah’s qualities: his mercy. Jehovah uses Hosea’s relationship with his unfaithful wife to illustrate His own willingness to extend mercy even before seeing signs of repentance. (3:1) Jehovah could hardly have chosen a stronger comparison. Clearly, Jehovah loved his wayward people of his “own free will.”​—14:1-4.

2. What else does the book of Hosea reveal about Jehovah?

² Through the book of Hosea, Jehovah also demonstrates other aspects of his personality. He is faithful and patient. (2:19, 20) Although the Israelites repeatedly abandoned Jehovah to worship other gods, Jehovah “kept drawing them, with the cords of love.” (11:1-4) Nevertheless, Jehovah’s patience has limits; he will not tolerate wickedness forever. (10:9-12) Jehovah detests hypocrisy, and he values our worship when we have the right motive​—loyal love.​—6:4, 6; 10:1, 2.

3. What valuable lesson do we learn from the book of Hosea?

³ Throughout Hosea’s book, Jehovah teaches us an important lesson: We always benefit when we walk in “the ways of Jehovah.” (14:9) The people of Israela had put their faith in other nations and their gods, thinking that by doing so they would be better off. (7:11; 9:10; 12:1) But those nations were about to betray them, and those gods would be powerless to help the Israelites. (8:8, 9; 10:5) In contrast, Jehovah had always cared for his people, and he promised to bless them.​—2:8, 18.

4. What valuable information does the book of Hosea contain for Christians?

⁴ The book of Hosea contains valuable information for Christians. It is quoted by Jesus and by others in the Christian Greek Scriptures, and it includes prophecies that were fulfilled. (See Box 28-A.) For example, regarding the Messiah, Jehovah prophesied: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” (11:1) This was fulfilled when Jesus was taken to Egypt and then later brought back to Israel after Herod’s death. (Mt 2:14, 15) And the apostle Paul explained that some prophecies found in Hosea meant that non-Israelites would be included among God’s people and called “sons of the living God.” (1:10; 2:23) This would result in their becoming corulers with Christ.​—Ro 9:25, 26; compare 1Pe 2:9, 10.

What to Know Before Reading

5. What do we know about the prophet Hosea?

⁵ Writer: Hosea’s name is a shortened form of Hoshaiah, which means “Saved by Jah; Jah Has Saved.” (1:1, ftn.) He was a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel, although some of his prophecies related to the southern kingdom of Judah. He served as a prophet from at least 804 B.C.E. until after 745 B.C.E. This means that he served for at least 59 years. Hosea likely completed his book between 745 and 740 B.C.E.b His work overlapped with that of Amos and Oded in Israel and with that of Isaiah and Micah in Judah.

6. What were the circumstances in Israel during Hosea’s day?

⁶ Background: Hosea served faithfully for decades despite the difficult spiritual and political situation in Israel. When Hosea began prophesying, wicked King Jeroboam II ruled Israel. Still, the nation enjoyed military success and material prosperity. (2Ki 14:24-28) But Israel had completely rejected Jehovah. The people attributed their prosperity to Baal. As part of their worship of this false god, they got drunk and had sexual relations with temple prostitutes. (4:11-13) After Jeroboam’s death, Israel experienced political instability, including conspiracies and assassinations. (2Ki 15:8-20) The succeeding kings wanted to form alliances with Egypt and Assyria​—but none trusted in Jehovah.

7. How did Jehovah use the prophet Hosea?

⁷ Through Hosea, Jehovah presented His legal case against Israel. He enumerated the nation’s many sins and described the coming consequences. (4:1, 2, 9) However, Jehovah also used Hosea to remind the nation that He is merciful and willing to forgive. This was Jehovah’s last appeal to Israel before he allowed Assyria to conquer Samaria and take over the nation.

8. What can be said about Hosea’s writing style?

⁸ Other details: The majority of the book of Hosea is written in poetic style. The book contains strong expressions of rebuke as well as tender pleas for repentance. (10:1; 14:1, 2) Hosea uses many powerful figures of speech.​—4:16; 5:13, 14; 6:3, 4.

Summary

9. How does Jehovah use Hosea to illustrate His mercy?

⁹ Jehovah uses Hosea and his unfaithful wife to illustrate His mercy toward Israel. (1:1–3:5) Jehovah tells Hosea to marry a woman who will become “a woman of prostitution.” (1:2) Hosea marries Gomer, who bears him a son. Her next two children are evidently illegitimate.c The meanings of the names of the three children reveal that Jehovah will judge and reject Israel. As recorded in chapter 2, Jehovah foretells that after punishing unfaithful Israel, he will mercifully restore and bless the nation. To illustrate His willingness to forgive Israel, Jehovah tells Hosea to take back his adulterous wife.​—3:1.

10-11. How have the Israelites offended Jehovah?

¹⁰ Prophetic judgments. (4:1–13:16) Hosea presents Jehovah’s legal case against Israel, detailing the nation’s many sins. (4:1, 2) He also mentions Judah’s sins. (5:5) Hosea urges the nation of Israel to return to Jehovah. (6:1) But Israel seeks help from other nations. (7:11) Israel will reap the consequences. (8:7-10) Jehovah will punish and reject the nation.​—9:17; 10:15.

¹¹ Jehovah reminds the Israelites of the love he has always shown them. (11:1-3) They have not responded in kind. (11:7; 12:1) They are guilty of rebellion, and their capital city, Samaria, will fall.​—13:16.

12. How will the people benefit by returning to Jehovah?

¹² Concluding appeal to return to Jehovah. (14:1-9) Jehovah urges his people to return to him. If they respond, he promises to show them his mercy and love.