The book of Hosea is the first of the Minor Prophets in the Biblical canon. The man who authors this book is an important prophet who likely ministers longer than any other prophet. What Jeremiah is to the Southern Kingdom of Judah, Hosea is to the Northerm Kingdom of Israel. The central theme of Hosea’s prophetic messages is Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. Following the Lord’s instruction, Hosea marries a prostitute to symbolically and poignantly portray Israel’s infidelity to Yahweh. Throughout his ministry, the prophet expounds on the adultery metaphor, calling Israel to account for its idolatry and apostasy, laying out God’s charges against the people, and foretelling judgment. Scriptures referenced include Hosea 1:1; 1 Chronicles 5:6; Hosea 4:1; Hosea 6:7; Hosea 8:1; Hosea 5:13; 2 Kings 15:29; 2 Kings 17:1-6; 2 Kings 18:10-12; 2 Kings 16:5-10; Hosea 1:2-2:5; Hosea 3:1-5; Hosea 9:7-8; Numbers 13:16; and Deuteronomy 32:44.
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