Title and Author: The book of Hosea is named after its author, Hosea, whose name means "salvation" or "deliverance." Hosea is recognized as one of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament. The term "minor" refers to the length of the writings, not their significance. Hosea's prophetic ministry is believed to have spanned several decades during the 8th century BC.

Historical Context: Hosea prophesied during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, specifically in the Northern Kingdom, also known as Ephraim. His ministry occurred during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah in Judah, and Jeroboam II in Israel (Hosea 1:1). This era was marked by political instability, moral decay, and idolatry, leading to the eventual fall of Samaria to the Assyrians in 722 BC.

Audience: Hosea's primary audience was the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His messages were directed towards a people who had turned away from God, engaging in idolatry and forming alliances with foreign nations, contrary to God's commandments.

Purpose: The purpose of Hosea's prophecy was to call Israel to repentance and to warn them of impending judgment due to their unfaithfulness. Hosea's life and marriage to Gomer served as a symbolic representation of God's relationship with Israel, highlighting God's enduring love and desire for reconciliation despite Israel's spiritual adultery.

Genre and Style: Hosea is a prophetic book, characterized by poetic language, symbolism, and vivid imagery. It combines narrative elements with oracles and lamentations.1. Hosea (Hosea 1:1)
- Hosea is the prophet and the main character of the book. He is called by God to deliver messages to the people of Israel, often using his own life as a symbolic representation of God's relationship with Israel.

2. Gomer (Hosea 1:3)
- Gomer is the wife of Hosea. She is described as a promiscuous woman, and her marriage to Hosea symbolizes Israel's unfaithfulness to God.

3. Jezreel (Hosea 1:4)
- Jezreel is the first son of Hosea and Gomer. His name is symbolic, representing the impending judgment on the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel.

4. Lo-Ruhamah (Hosea 1:6)
- Lo-Ruhamah is the daughter of Hosea and Gomer. Her name means "not loved" or "not pitied," symbolizing God's withdrawal of love and mercy from Israel.

5. Lo-Ammi (Hosea 1:9)
- Lo-Ammi is the second son of Hosea and Gomer. His name means "not my people," indicating that Israel is no longer recognized as God's people due to their unfaithfulness.

6. Ephraim (Hosea 4:17)
- Ephraim is often used to refer to the northern kingdom of Israel. The name is symbolic of the largest tribe in the northern kingdom and represents the collective unfaithfulness of Israel.

7. Judah (Hosea 5:10)
- Judah is the southern kingdom, often mentioned in contrast to Israel (Ephraim). The book of Hosea occasionally addresses Judah, warning them against following Israel's unfaithfulness.

8. David (Hosea 3:5)
- David is mentioned as a future hope, symbolizing the coming of a messianic king from David's line who will lead the people back to God.1. Samaria (Hosea 7:1)
- Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It is often mentioned in Hosea as a center of idolatry and political intrigue. The prophet Hosea criticizes the leaders and people of Samaria for their unfaithfulness to God.

2. Jezreel (Hosea 1:4)
- Jezreel is a valley and city in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It is symbolic in Hosea's prophecy, representing both judgment and future restoration. The name Jezreel means "God sows," and it is used to convey the idea of God’s judgment and eventual renewal.

3. Beth-aven (Hosea 4:15)
- Beth-aven, meaning "house of wickedness," is a derogatory name for Bethel, a significant religious site in the Northern Kingdom. Hosea uses this term to criticize the idolatrous practices that took place there.

4. Gibeah (Hosea 5:8)
- Gibeah was a city in the territory of Benjamin, known for its association with a notorious crime in the Book of Judges. Hosea references Gibeah to highlight the moral corruption of Israel.

5. Ramah (Hosea 5:8)
- Ramah was a city in the territory of Benjamin, near Gibeah. It is mentioned in the context of a warning or alarm being sounded, indicating impending judgment.

6. Gilgal (Hosea 4:15)
- Gilgal was a significant religious and historical site for the Israelites. In Hosea, it is associated with idolatry and false worship, despite its earlier importance as a place of covenant renewal.

7. Lebanon (Hosea 14:5)
- Lebanon, known for its majestic cedars, is used metaphorically in Hosea to describe the beauty and prosperity that will come with Israel's restoration.

8. Assyria (Hosea 5:13)
- Assyria was a powerful empire during Hosea's time. The prophet warns Israel against relying on Assyria for help, as it would lead to further subjugation and disaster.

9. Egypt (Hosea 7:11)
- Egypt is frequently mentioned as a place of refuge that Israel turns to in times of trouble, symbolizing a misplaced trust in foreign powers rather than in God.1. Hosea's Marriage to Gomer (Hosea 1:2-3)
- God commands Hosea to marry Gomer, a woman described as promiscuous, to symbolize Israel's unfaithfulness to God. Hosea obeys and marries her.

2. Birth of Jezreel (Hosea 1:4)
- Gomer bears a son named Jezreel. God instructs Hosea to name him Jezreel as a sign of the impending punishment on the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel.

3. Birth of Lo-Ruhamah (Hosea 1:6)
- Gomer conceives again and bears a daughter. God tells Hosea to name her Lo-Ruhamah, meaning "not loved," indicating that He will no longer show love to Israel.

4. Birth of Lo-Ammi (Hosea 1:8-9)
- Gomer has another son, and God instructs Hosea to name him Lo-Ammi, meaning "not my people," signifying that Israel is no longer His people.

5. Promise of Restoration (Hosea 1:10-11)
- Despite the judgments, God promises that the Israelites will be numerous and will be called "children of the living God." There will be a future reunification and restoration.

6. Israel's Unfaithfulness and Punishment (Hosea 2:2-13)
- God describes Israel's unfaithfulness through the metaphor of an unfaithful wife. He outlines the consequences and punishments for their idolatry and betrayal.

7. Promise of Reconciliation (Hosea 2:14-23)
- God promises to allure Israel back to Him, transforming the Valley of Achor into a door of hope. He speaks of a future covenant of peace and restoration.

8. Hosea's Redemption of Gomer (Hosea 3:1-3)
- God instructs Hosea to show love to Gomer again, symbolizing God's enduring love for Israel. Hosea redeems her, demonstrating forgiveness and reconciliation.

9. Israel's Guilt and Punishment (Hosea 4:1-19)
- God brings charges against Israel for their lack of faithfulness, love, and knowledge of God. The chapter details the moral and spiritual decay of the nation.

10. Call to Repentance (Hosea 6:1-3)
- A call for Israel to return to the Lord, acknowledging that He has torn them but will heal them. It emphasizes the need for repentance and seeking God.

11. Israel's Incurable Wickedness (Hosea 7:1-16)
- God describes the depth of Israel's corruption and their refusal to turn to Him. Their alliances with foreign nations are futile.

12. Judgment on Israel and Judah (Hosea 8:1-14)
- God announces judgment on Israel and Judah for their idolatry and reliance on human strength rather than God.

13. Israel's Punishment and Future Hope (Hosea 11:1-11)
- God recounts His love for Israel and their rebellion. Despite their unfaithfulness, He expresses compassion and a future hope for their return.

14. Call to Return to the Lord (Hosea 14:1-3)
- A final call for Israel to return to the Lord, renouncing their sins and seeking His forgiveness and healing.

15. Promise of Healing and Restoration (Hosea 14:4-9)
- God promises to heal Israel's backsliding and love them freely. He describes the blessings and prosperity that will come with their restoration.1. Unfaithfulness and Idolatry
Hosea uses the metaphor of marital unfaithfulness to describe Israel's idolatry and spiritual adultery. The prophet's own marriage to Gomer symbolizes Israel's infidelity to God.
(Hosea 1:2) - "When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, He said to him, 'Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children of promiscuity, because the land is committing blatant acts of promiscuity by forsaking the LORD.'"

2. God’s Love and Compassion
Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God’s enduring love and compassion for His people are emphasized. God desires to restore the relationship.
(Hosea 2:14) - "Therefore, behold, I will allure her and lead her to the wilderness, and speak to her tenderly."

3. Judgment and Consequences
Hosea warns of the impending judgment and consequences of Israel's sins, including exile and destruction.
(Hosea 4:1) - "Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a case against the inhabitants of the land: 'There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land.'"

4. Repentance and Return
The call for Israel to repent and return to God is a recurring theme, highlighting the possibility of redemption.
(Hosea 6:1) - "Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us to pieces, but He will heal us; He has injured us, but He will bind up our wounds."

5. Knowledge of God
Hosea emphasizes the importance of knowing God, not just through rituals but through a genuine relationship.
(Hosea 4:6) - "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you as My priests."

6. Covenant Relationship
The theme of the covenant relationship between God and Israel is central, with a focus on the obligations and blessings of this bond.
(Hosea 2:19-20) - "And I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will know the LORD."

7. Social Injustice
Hosea addresses issues of social injustice, including corruption and exploitation, as part of Israel's unfaithfulness.
(Hosea 12:7) - "A merchant loves to defraud with dishonest scales in his hands."

8. Hope and Restoration
Despite the dire warnings, Hosea concludes with a message of hope and the promise of restoration for those who return to God.
(Hosea 14:4) - "I will heal their apostasy; I will freely love them, for My anger has turned away from them."1. Loving Husband (Hosea 2:16-20)
- In this passage, God is depicted as a loving husband to Israel, which is a type of Christ's relationship with the Church. The imagery of marriage symbolizes a covenant relationship characterized by love, faithfulness, and redemption. "In that day," declares the LORD, "you will call Me 'my husband,' and no longer call Me 'my master.'"

2. Healer (Hosea 6:1-2)
- Here, God is portrayed as a healer who will restore and revive His people. This foreshadows Christ's role as the healer of spiritual and physical ailments. "Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bind up our wounds."

3. Resurrected One (Hosea 6:2)
- This verse is often seen as a prophetic reference to the resurrection of Christ. It speaks of being raised up on the third day, which parallels Jesus' resurrection. "After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His presence."

4. Faithful Redeemer (Hosea 13:14)
- God promises redemption from death and the grave, which is fulfilled in Christ's victory over death. This verse highlights Jesus as the Redeemer who conquers death. "I will ransom them from the power of Sheol; I will redeem them from Death. Where, O Death, are your plagues? Where, O Sheol, is your sting?"

5. Loving Father (Hosea 11:1)
- God is depicted as a loving father who calls His son out of Egypt, a type of Christ's return from Egypt as a child. This verse is directly quoted in the New Testament as a prophecy about Jesus. "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son."1. Prophecy of Israel's Unfaithfulness and Punishment
- Prophecy: Hosea prophesies that Israel will be punished for its unfaithfulness and idolatry. (Hosea 1:2-9)
- Fulfillment: The prophecy is fulfilled as Israel faces military defeat and exile, particularly with the Assyrian conquest of Israel in 722 BC.

2. Prophecy of Restoration
- Prophecy: Despite the punishment, Hosea foretells that God will eventually restore Israel. (Hosea 1:10-11)
- Fulfillment: This prophecy is seen as being fulfilled in the return of the exiles and the eventual coming of the Messiah, as interpreted in Christian theology.

3. Prophecy of God's Love and Mercy
- Prophecy: God promises to show love and mercy to Israel despite their sins. (Hosea 2:14-23)
- Fulfillment: This is fulfilled in the continued existence and preservation of the Jewish people and is also seen as a spiritual fulfillment in the New Testament through Jesus Christ.

4. Prophecy of Judgment on Israel's Leaders
- Prophecy: Hosea predicts judgment on the leaders and priests of Israel for leading the people astray. (Hosea 5:1-7)
- Fulfillment: The leadership of Israel is indeed judged and removed during the Assyrian conquest.

5. Prophecy of Israel's Return to God
- Prophecy: Hosea speaks of a time when Israel will return to seek the Lord. (Hosea 3:4-5)
- Fulfillment: This is seen as partially fulfilled in the post-exilic period and spiritually fulfilled in the New Testament era.

6. Prophecy of the Destruction of Idolatry
- Prophecy: Hosea prophesies the destruction of Israel's idols and altars. (Hosea 10:2-8)
- Fulfillment: The destruction of idols occurs during the Assyrian invasion and is also seen as a call to spiritual renewal.

7. Prophecy of God's Relentless Love
- Prophecy: Despite Israel's rebellion, God promises not to completely destroy them because of His love. (Hosea 11:8-9)
- Fulfillment: This is fulfilled in the preservation of a remnant and the eventual coming of the Messiah.

1. Adulterous Wife and Faithful Husband  ( 1:1⁠–⁠3:5 )

a. Hosea’s Wife and Children  ( 1:1⁠–⁠11 )

b. The Adulterous Wife  ( 2:1⁠–⁠23 )

i. Israel’s Adultery Rebuked  ( 2:1⁠–⁠13 )

ii. God’s Mercy to Israel  ( 2:14⁠–⁠23 )

c. Hosea Redeems His Wife  ( 3:1⁠–⁠5 )

2. Adulterous Nation and Faithful God  ( 4:1⁠–⁠14:9 )

a. The Adulterous Nation  ( 4:1⁠–⁠10:15 )

i. God’s Case against His People  ( 4:1⁠–⁠19 )

ii. Judgment on Israel and Judah  ( 5:1⁠–⁠15 )

iii. The Unrepentance of Israel and Judah  ( 6:1⁠–⁠11 )

iv. Ephraim’s Iniquity  ( 7:1⁠–⁠16 )

v. Israel Will Reap the Whirlwind  ( 8:1⁠–⁠14 )

vi. Israel’s Punishment  ( 9:1⁠–⁠17 )

vii. Retribution for Israel’s Sin  ( 10:1⁠–⁠15 )

b. The Faithful God  ( 11:1⁠–⁠14:9 )

i. Out of Egypt I Called My Son  ( 11:1⁠–⁠7 )

ii. God’s Love for Israel  ( 11:8⁠–⁠12 )

iii. A Reproof of Ephraim, Judah, and Jacob  ( 12:1⁠–⁠14 )

iv. God’s Anger against Israel  ( 13:1⁠–⁠8 )

v. Death and Resurrection  ( 13:9⁠–⁠14 )

vi. Judgment on Samaria  ( 13:15⁠–⁠16 )

vii. A Call to Repentance  ( 14:1⁠–⁠3 )

viii. A Promise of God’s Blessing  ( 14:4⁠–⁠9 )