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Hosea
Hosea Time
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The Rulers and Prophets of Hosea's Time
Israel’s Apostasy and Hosea’s Marriage
The stages of Israel’s relationship with God are depicted in the prophecies of Jeremiah an Ezekiel, as well as in Hosea’s relationship with Gomer.
Hosea
Served as a prophet to Israel (the northern kingdom) from 753-715 B.C.
The Blueprint
A. HOSEA'S WAYWARD WIFE (1:1-3:5)
B. GOD'S WAYWARD PEOPLE (4:1-14:9)
Hosea was commanded by God to marry a woman who would be unfaithful to him and would cause him many heartaches. Just as Gomer lost interest in Hosea and ran after other lovers, we, too, can easily lose appreciation for our special relationship with God and pursue dreams and goals that do not include him. When we compromise our Christian lifestyles and adopt the ways of the world, we are being unfaithful.
God wanted the people in the northern kingdom to turn from their sin and return to worshiping him alone, but they persisted in their wickedness. Throughout the book Israel is described as ignorant of God, with no desire to please him. Israel did not understand God at all, just as Gomer did not understand Hosea. Like a loving husband or patient father, God wants people to know him and to turn to him daily.