Village Schools of the Bible

A Devotional Study of Hosea
by Max Frazier, Jr.

A FAMILY PORTRAIT: Hosea 1

Hosea was a prophet contemporary with Amos, Isaiah, and Micah, living from the last days of the reign of King Jeroboam II in Israel to the early days of the reign of King Hezekiah in Judah. He was a prophet to the Northern Kingdom, better known as Israel. His name means "salvation."

Chapter one introduces us to Hosea and his family. They are representative of God and his relationship with Israel. Hosea, represents God's love for Israel. Gomer, his wife, represents the unfaithful nation of Israel. And to this union, God brings two sons and one daughter.

Hosea marries Gomer under less than ideal conditions. The Bible tells us that she had a heart inclined toward unfaithfulness to her marital bonds. In fact, the New Living Translation states that she was a prostitute. I have often wondered at how difficult it might have been for Hosea to marry her, knowing how prone she was to being unfaithful. And then I remember how unfaithful I have been to God. How I had rebelled against His will for my life. And yet, He adopted me into His family. He chose me to be one of His children. I am reminded of those words of Jesus, You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last (John 15:16). And I also think of those words which Paul gave as an encouragement to the Ephesians: Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes (Ephesians 1:4). And, even though I am prone at times to once again become unfaithful to God, I know that He will remain faithful to me, for I have this promise, given to Timothy by the Apostle Paul: If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself (2 Timothy 2:13). What an incredible love.

Hosea lived during a time when the nation of Israel was in desperate straights. The evils of idolatry reigned supreme. The people of Israel were as unfaithful to God as Gomer was unfaithful to Hosea. Even the naming of their children reminded the people of God's extreme displeasure with them and their impending judgment. Yet the chapter closes with a great statement about the mercy of God. He does forgive sin and restore the fallen. Yes, God judges, but how we need to praise Him for His mercies. They can never be exhausted.

Further Thoughts from Hosea 1:

KEY WORDS: Gomer; Adultery, Adulterous

KEY VERSE: Verse 2 introduces us to Gomer, a representative of adulterous Israel.

PURPOSE STATEMENT: This chapter introduces us to Hosea and his family which is a picture of God and his relationship with Israel.

OUTLINE: A FAMILY WITH MEANING

I. Time of Hosea - verse 1

II. Marriage to Gomer - verses 2-3

III. A son, Jezreel - verses 4-5

IV. A daughter, LoRuhamah - verses 6-7

V. A son, LoAmmi - verses 8-9

VI. A future promise - verses 10-11

Return to the Table of Contents Hosea 2