Hosea

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      Hosea is said to have written this book (1:1). He is the son of Beeri and prophesied during the reign of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah and Jeroboam of Israel. Hosea may have been more prominent based on his remarks to the priests and the king (5:1). The original readers were most likely the Israelites. In 8:5-6 Hosea addresses their worship of the calves that they had set up. The people worshiped idols and were said to be prostituting themselves to false gods (1:2). This book is mostly about the sin of Israel and God's punishment for their sin. But we also see God love his people just as Hosea continued to pursue his adulterous wife.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      God talks about metaphorically making Israel His wife and says that He will show “righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion” (2:19). God yearns for Israels undivided love. He sent prophets to judge them so that they would respond in love towards Him (6:5-6). God shows Himself as a father to Israel. He calls Israel His child and that lead them and called them to Him (11:1-5). God describes His passion as overflowing towards Israel. God's heart was invested into His people even though the prostituted themselves with idol worship (11:8). God is savior. He alone can rescue us from our sin and He alone rescued Israel from their many troubles (13:4). Just a little further on in that passage God says that He is their helper (13:9). We see that God's heart is grieved by the actions and decisions of Israel. God wants them to love Him and worship Him alone and we see how God is effected by our failure to love Him.

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      God gives a beautiful picture of His redemption for Israel in 2:14-15. He says, I will return her vineyards to her, and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope. Here God shows His heart for Israel and His desire for things to be as they once where when He freed Israel from Captivity in Egypt. At God's powerful voice the people of Israel will return to Him. He is so great and might that when He shows His power His people will back to Him (11:10-11). Chapter 14 sums up God's plan for redemption for Israel. He promises to heal them, to not be angry, to give them shade, and to make them flourish (14:4,7).


Point of Passion (Bronx, NYC)

This is a message to everyone who feels like they need to live a certain way to get by in their culture.  The Bronx can be a rough place to live in.  There are tons of pressures coming from peers.  Pressure for drugs, sex, and lots of things that don't honor God.  I thought this passage in Hosea 14:9 would be an encouragement for you to live a life honoring to God.  It says, "...The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them.  But in those paths sinners stumble and fall.  I encourage you to walk the paths of the Lord.  To be righteous and to rid your life of anything you have allowed the culture to insert into your life.  Seek God and and let Him search your heart to find these things so that you can live a righteous life.