Hosea Introduction (M.i.M.)
by Lance Ponder(94)http://fkiprofessor.xanga.com
Majoring in the Minors
Introduction to the book of Hosea
Chapters
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Introduction to Hosea
Hosea was a prophet who lived and prophesied in the last decades before the fall of Samaria. While the text does not say explicitly, it seems logical that Hosea lived in the Northern Kingdom (Israel) based on his detailed knowledge of the geography. The message appears directed toward Israel, but the lessons Hosea teaches were meant for Judah and ultimately for every generation.
Abandonment, punishment, repentance, forgiveness, and restoration form the lesson series taught by Hosea first in the marriage described in the opening chapters and again in the prophecies toward Israel in the latter chapters.
The first three chapters describe the prophet’s marriage to a prostitute. Hosea was chosen for a specific purpose and given specific commands. His situation should not be construed to imply acceptance of marriage to an unfaithful partner, nor should it be thought to condone marital violence. The acts described in these chapters provide a vivid illustration of sin’s reward. They also describe the restoration of the relationship when repentance and forgiveness are realized. Theologians argue about whether the details of these chapters are literal or purely allegory. Regardless of historical fact, the lessons about God’s character as eternally faithful and forgiving are consistent with the whole of scripture.
Chapters 4 to 14 shift from allegory to a direct message with specific charges as well as a personal appeal to repentance and restoration. Through Hosea, God confronts Israel’s departure from faithfulness in the form of various religious, social, sexual, and political offenses. Indictments are made, judgment is given, and God’s character is expressed. The call to know God requires a very personal and intimate relationship, not merely an intellectual possession of correct information. This lesson overflows into the Gospel message that calls people to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus for salvation. The call to repentance issued by Hosea is another theme in line with Christian salvation. The faithfulness of God to forgive sin and save the soul of one who enters that intimate personal relationship is the culmination of knowing God and repenting of sin.
Article submitted Friday, January 08, 2010 & read 240 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Teresa(1,457)(203 days 4 hours ago.)
Hi Lance, great intro! I am looking forward to following this new series. I am going to have to read Hosea, it has been awhile. It is humbling and amazing to read of the lengths God will go for mankind to get a picture of his holiness, his love, his discipline, and ultimately his grace. Thanks for sharing, it is a blessing to have you here. Happy New Year :-) TeresaRespond to this comment
» left by Lance Ponder(94) (200 days 20 hours ago.)
Thank you so much for the encouragement. I've been posting on the Creation stuff for a long time. It is nearing an end - just five more chapters to go, then I'll be done. This new series is something I have a vast amount already "in the can" and ready to post. I am planning to post whole chapters (commentary on a whole chapter of scripture) at a time. That means the individual posts will be longer, but I think it will be more concise and logical this way. This is a great site and I appreciate the opportunity to share here.Respond to this comment