Introduction to Hosea, the Now Prophet
I will be posting the individual sections of Hosea: The Now Prophet on my blog until the entire section of
HOSEA: THE NOW PROPHET—
COMMENTS ON THE BOOK OF HOSEA
Part 1--General Historical Background
has been presented.
PROLOGUE
“Teach us about the ancient prophets.”
Our home group asked me to teach them about the book of Hosea a couple of years ago. I was happy to do so. For several months, I presented a short lesson about Hosea in each of our meetings. This time was an emotional challenge for me. Preparing and teaching this study struck me hard in two ways. First, the strong emotions Hosea and God expressed throughout the story struck me hard. Second, the political, cultural, and spiritual parallels between Hosea’s day and our own struck me hard.
I believe God has much to teach us through the ancient book of Hosea. Therefore, I organized my notes, prayed over the editing of my comments, and published the results. May they bless you greatly; may you understand why I named Hosea the “now” prophet.
No one can create a work like this without help from others. First and foremost, a review of any Biblical book needs the input of the Holy Spirit. Only the Holy Spirit can give us the wisdom and understanding to apply the words of an ancient Hebrew prophet to our own lives.
Yet God works with people's creative ability; He doesn't stifle our individuality. This work is not a typical verse-by-verse commentary. In writing this commentary, I worked to make it relatable. I begin with information on the historical and political background of the book of Hosea. Still, I want to emphasize Hosea’s humanity and the confusion of his chaotic time. While I attempted to make the images, symbols, and themes of the book clear, I have attempted to avoid being bogged down by details. I hope you find this commentary easily accessible. I want you to enjoy this book without needing a theological degree!
I relied on the wisdom of learned scholars [as well as the Holy Spirit] in writing this book. I have quoted some of them. When I quoted others, I acknowledged the sources I used at the end of each quotation. Other resources are listed in a Limited Bibliography at the end of this study.
Please understand that this study was set up in a manner that is meaningful to me. I hope that they can also be a blessing for you also.
I constantly update, add, refine, and change my notes as I reconsider Bible passages or a particular point that leads me off a rabbit trail. Many of these "rabbit trails" are set apart by text boxes within the text.
I also included charts, maps, and photographs that might interest folks in the appendix of the book. Maps and photos are not to be reproduced without the permission of the individual copyright holders of those materials. Please honor these copyrights; you will glorify the Lord by doing so.
