Introduction to Hosea, the Now Prophet--Overview
“For they sow the wind, And they will reap the whirlwind” [Hosea 8:7].
Adultery. Death. Pain. How does one describe the book of Hosea? The term “shock and awe” comes to my mind. Hosea’s writing thunders but also wails with the pain. Anyone who has suffered betrayal grasps the pain Hosea felt. But there is more to Hosea than his hurt and anger. The prophet believes God echoes his [Hosea’s] anguish because of Israel’s disobedience to the Mosaic covenant.
Hosea wrote at a time when Northern Israel’s wealthy, sophisticated society began to crumble and convulse from the turmoil created by social injustice, political intrigues, and foreign threats. Departing from their foundational covenant with the Lord Adonai, the people of Israel were first swept up into social turmoil by their willfulness and were then swept away by pagan Assyria. Hosea could foresee the approaching whirlwind.
You have plowed wickedness. You have reaped iniquity. You have eaten the fruit of lies, For you trusted in your way [Hosea 10:13].
Seeing a dismal future, Hosea channeled his pain into warning the Israelite people of the coming disaster. However, to understand how Hosea’s writing impacts us today, we must first understand Hosea’s life and culture.
So, we begin with a short introduction to the history of the Kingdom of Israel and the framework of Hosea’s book. You might be tempted to skip over this discussion. However, must understand Hosea’s background to understand how Hosea’s words can impact your life today. Even if history classes make you snooze, I encourage you not to skip past this part. As you watch, consider how you would react if you lived in the times of these various kings: Solomon, Rehoboam, Jereboam, or later in the days of Ahab, Jehu, or Jeroboam 2. Ask yourself: Would I have moved to Northern Israel to escape an oppressive and harsh King? Would I have been willing to take a personal stand against the manipulative and dangerous Queen Jezebel? Would I abandon my beliefs for convenience or safety?
