Hosea: Summary & Overview
Overview
Hosea's marriage to the unfaithful Gomer becomes a living parable of God's relationship with Israel. Despite being repeatedly betrayed, both Hosea and God pursue their unfaithful beloved with relentless love. It's one of the most emotionally powerful books in the Bible, revealing the depth of God's heartbreak — and the even greater depth of His love.
Key Themes
- •God's relentless love
- •Spiritual unfaithfulness as adultery
- •Judgment tempered by mercy
- •The call to return
- •Covenant loyalty
Famous Verses
“For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”
— Hosea 6:6
“I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.”
— Hosea 14:4
“And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.”
— Hosea 2:19-20
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord.”
— Hosea 10:12
“I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love.”
— Hosea 11:4
Key Facts
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Genre
- Minor Prophet
- Author
- Hosea
- Date Written
- ~755–715 BC
- Chapters
- 14
Related Books
Read Hosea in Context
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