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THEME: There is Hosea Hosea THEME: There is nothing we can do which will separate us from Gods compassion and love I certify that I am the author of this work and that any assistance I received in its preparation is fully acknowledged. PART I The book Hosea was written between 790 and 710 BC by the prophet Hosea. The story is about the relationship between Hosea and his wife, Gomer, and how their lives parallel that of the northern kingdom of Israel. There are several themes in the book of Hosea and I will discuss what I think to be the main one, ? there is absolutely nothing we can do which will separate us from Gods love and compassion? . While the northern kingdom prospers monetarily its morals and spiritual condition is sacrificed.
The peoples of the northern kingdom have fallen from Gods grace due to their worship of Gods other than the one true God. The following text describes my opinions, others opinions, and my observations of the book Hosea. The book begins with God telling Hosea to marry an adulterous wife. He does this to show the relationship of the Israelites adultery to God by worshipping idols and other Gods. Hosea marries Gomer and they have a son.
God informs Hosea to name the child Jezreel because he is going to punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel. Later they have a daughter and God tells Hosea to name her Lo-Ruhama which means, not loved, in Hebrew. Once again Hosea and Gomer have a son that God tells Hosea to name Lo-Am which means, not my people, in Hebrew. Chapter one ends with God describing how the two nations, Israel and Judah, be reunited under one appointed leader and one God. Chapter two describes Gods feelings towards the nation Israel. He does this by comparing the nation Israel to Hosea's household.
He describes how Hosea's wife has been unfaithful to her husband as the nation Israel has been unfaithful to God. He further goes on to describe his plans for the nation Israel and how he is going to let Israel search for Him, through other Gods, and the obstacles hell place in their path to hinder their search. God also declares he will punish the Israelites for forgetting about their one true God. God ends the narration by telling of the restoration of Israel to his favor and the many benefits that will fall upon the nation Israel, once they accept Him as the only God.
Chapters three, four, and five describe Hosea and Gomer's reconciliation, Israels lack of faithfulness and love for God; and Gods plan to deal with the people and priests of Israel; respectively. The LORD tells Hosea to love his wife again so he buys her back from a slave market and tells her she must live with and be faithful to him. The LORD is extremely distressed by Israels lack of love and acknowledgment of His existence. He describes how they have reverted to lying, cheating, stealing, murder, etc.
and further fail to follow his word. The priests during this time are not to be let off lightly. God tells how the priests have not spread His message, but rather theyve fed off the Israelites sins. God tells how hes going to punish the people of Israel, for their sins, and the priests, for their lack of concern. He closes by saying he will go to his place and not recognize the peoples of Israel until they earnestly seek him out. In chapter 11 God capsulizes Israels sins and his judgment against the people.
He describes how he chose the Israelites as His people and how he delivered them from slavery in Egypt. During this dissertation he has a change of heart and decides he will not destroy the nation Israel even if they turn from Him. He decides he will force Israel to repent by less destructive means. In chapter 12 Hosea preaches the Lords message to the Israelites. He starts by describing Israels sins against God and how the Israelites wealth has taken them further and further from Gods embrace.
He talks about how the Israelites will be punished for their sins and that God will repay them, in-kind, for their goodness. He tells Israel they must return to Gods favor or judgment will be upon them. His inclusion of Jacob in the reasons for Israels downfall are also described in chapter 12. He believes since Jacob is His prophet he should also be held accountable for the sins of Israel. He also describes what is going to happen to Gillead because of their wickedness and sacrificing of bulls. The chapter closes as Hosea tells of Gods anger at Israel for straying from His laws.
Chapter 13 describes Gods anger at Israel for idol worship and chapter 14 tells of Gods blessings, on the nation, for its repentance. In chapter 13 Hosea tells how the worship of Baal has angered God. God intercedes and reminds the nation Israel that they should acknowledge no other God besides Himself. He also restates the exodus epic and how He led the nation Israel from slavery and saved them in the desert. He then goes on to describe an east wind that will destroy their crops and dry up their wells. The final chapter of Hosea describes how God will save Israel from itself and restore the people as His people.
Even though Hes angry with Israel hes unable to lay waste to the nation. PART II The experts dont all agree on whether God commanded Hosea to marry a prostitute. According to Tullock (1992) this question can be answered in one of the following ways The LORD actually commanded Hosea to Marry a prostitute, which he did. 2. Gomer was not a prostitute physically. Instead, she was a Baal worshiper, and as such, was spiritually unfaithful. Whether she was ever physically unfaithful was not important. 3.
Gomer was a virgin when Hosea married her, but she became unfaithful after marriage. Later, when he looked back upon the experience, he realized that she already had such tendencies when he married her. 4. The whole story is an allegory, which had no relationship to Gomer's morals (Hosea 1: 2). (p. 195) Wood (1975) states, ? The name of each child was linked symbolically to Israels coming doom? (p. 20). According to Scott (1975), ? By theses experiences Hosea became in heart the instrument of God to declare Gods grace, mercy and love (p. 20).
In an oracle calling for his children to plead with their mother that she change her ways, Hosea compared his relations with Gomer to the Lords relations with Israel (Hos. 2: 2 - 23) Tullock, 1992, p. 195). Scott (1975) took this verse to mean, It is as though God is calling the children of Israel to indict their mother because of her crimes against God (2: 2) (p. 21). Wood (1975) concludes, ? She (Israel) was guilty because she credited her blessings to Baal, not to Jehovah God (p. 31). The comparison of Hosea's personal life with that of the nation Israels spiritual life is evident throughout the entire book of Hosea. ? This verse summarizes the case against Israel as seen in the first two chapters and now relates the whole to Hosea's own personal experience with Gomer as a fit comparison for teaching purposes (Hos. 3: 1) Scott, 1975, p. 30). ?
Religious failures had corroded the national character. The unifying covenant of Sinai had long since been forgotten in practice, if not in name? (Southwestern Journal of Theology, 1975, p. 8). Throughout the whole of chapters three through five Israels lack of faith and love for God is evident. The sinful woman stands for Israel. Hosea's ransom speaks of Gods love for his people (Wood, 1975, p. 42). Three things in particular are mentioned as expected by God: (1) truth; (2) loving kindness sometimes translated goodness; and (3) knowledge of God? (Scott, 1975, p. 32).
Tullock (1992) describes how, Israel had become so mired I the muck of Baal worship that the people could no longer find their way back to the LORD (p. 197). Israel consistently ask for forgiveness, falsely, and was about to find out their fate. Verse 6 of chapter 11 describes Gods describes the fall of Israel. The sword (of the enemy Assyria) will whirl against Israels cities (Scott, 1975, p. 71). Hosea had hope for the nation despite the fact that it had to go through judgment (Tullock, 1992, p. 199).
Wood (1975) describes how, ? Hosea pointed out that Gods grace transcended Israels guilt, and compelled him to spare her from complete oblivion: (p. 103). Happily, the message of Hosea is not one of ultimate despair. As with other Old Testament prophets this man succeeded in sustaining a note of hope and optimism in spite of the darkness of his time (Southwestern Journal of Theology, 1975, p. 54). Judgment must come (Hos 12: 1 - 13: 16). Judgment had to come.
The people had sinned to much to avoid it (Tullock, 1992, p. 199). Hosea was no fatalist. The people made the choice themselves with their own free will (Wood, 1975, p. 113). Since Gods real covenant lies with the father of both Judah and Israel, namely with Jacob, Gods punishment will therefore be meted out to Israel and Judah and His mercy will be shown to both (Scott 1975 p. 75). ? Because Israel exalted herself she went to far and exalted herself against God going after Baal? (Scott 1975 p. 75). Chapter 13 is considered by most of my references to be the defining chapter of the book Hosea.
God goes on record to describe the sins of the nation Israel and how they should be punished. Instead of gratitude for the good things God gave them, they became satiated and proud (Scott 1975 p. 78 - 79). ? Hosea believed the sins were in heavens record. The guilt would not fade with the passing of time. Israels sins were bound up (v. 12) to await the day of judgment (Wood 1975, p. 121). ? Like Gomer wanton Israel is running after other loves instead of being faithful in her marriage to God (NIV Study Bible 1992, p. 987).
The chapter closes with a horrible picture of the enemy's almost unbelievable cruelty and the nations awful fate (vv. 15 - 16) (Wood 1975 p. 117). The final chapter of the book of Hosea describes Gods judgment upon the nation Israel. Only one solution was offered. Israel must repent (Wood 1975, p. 127). ? He who said earlier that He would like to have healed Israel (7: 1), now declares the He will do so? (Scott 1975, p. 83). ? Could any contrast be greater than the declaration of judgment in 5: 8 - 12 and the assurance of restoration in 14: 4 - 7? (Southwestern Journal of Theology 1975, p. 55). ?
The God who redeems us purposes that we walk in his statutes free from guilt, but also free from deceit, guile, and willful sin. Through Hosea's closing warning, God makes His appeal to us? (Wood 1975, p. 133). PART III At first I was confused by the way Hosea was talking about Israel and Judah in the same sentence (1: 11). I didnt know that Israel had split into the Northern (Israel) and southern (Judah) kingdoms. This fact made me go back and read Tullock and find out what had happened. I also didnt know why the Lord would tell anyone to marry an adulterous (1: 2).
The whole first chapter had me confused and it wasnt until I read the book of Hosea and studied my reference material that I could make sense of what was going on. Once Id read the entire book I was able to see how God had used Hosea's family life to relate to His relationship with the people of Israel. At first I thought Hosea 2: 1 was God telling Hosea to dump his wife for her adultery. It wasnt until Id read several of my references that I came to realize it was God telling Hosea's children to rebuke their mother for the way she behaved.
I also came to realize this was a veiled reference for the Israelites to forsake their idols and worship of other Gods. When I read Hosea 2: 6 13 I saw a very angry God ready to punish Israel for its transgressions. Then Hosea 2: 14 23 contradicted everything that was said in Hosea 2: 6 13. This confused me to no end. I ten began to realize how the theme, ? there is absolutely nothing we can do which will separate us from Gods love and compassion?
was going to play a role in this book. It also made me realize that some of the current problems (murder, robbery, theft, etc... ) were prevalent in ancient times. I also came to understand a person could call themselves? born again? and feel completely secure in the feeling God would forgive them for their previous sins. Chapter 3 has played a part in my life.
My father was unfaithful to my mother and my siblings and I had a hard time understanding how my mother could possibly forgive him. Not only did she forgive him she took him back, just as Hosea did with his unfaithful wife. The numerous references to prostitution in chapter 4 I thought was an excellent analogy to the way the Israelites were giving their bodies and souls over to false Gods just as prostitutes do to those who also dont acknowledge nor love them. I also see a resemblance to todays society in these verses. Murder, robbery, theft, lying, cheating, etc. are on the rise and we spend all our time blaming everything and everybody without realizing that maybe weve lost our ways in Gods eye.
Reading chapter 5, to me, was redundant. I saw this entire chapter as a rehash of chapter 3 v. 6 - 13. Chapter 11 reminded me of my relationship with my son. No matter how angry I get with him I still love him. It also confused me because I thought it was a sign of God showing human characteristics until I realized God created man.
Therefore, maybe we show God like characteristics when we forgive others. It also reminded me of my relationship with my own father. Hes an alcoholic and spent the majority of my childhood in neighborhood bars. Needless to say our relationship was never close; yet I still love him.
I also see this love hate relationship among nations. Whether were allies or enemies due to political or moral differences you never know when youll forgive your enemy for his transgressions (perceived or real) and they become you staunchest ally. I had a hard time following along in chapter 12. Hosea preaches the lords message to the Israelites and he starts by describing Israels sins against God.
Again I thought this was quite redundant even though it wasnt through the spoken word of the Lord. I would imagine had the writer of the book consolidated all of Israel and Judah's sins into one chapter and Gods anger into another the book could have been cut in half. Chapter 13 v. 8 made me think of the rich today. Do they also feel that since theyre rich God cant find fault in them, or do they feel that if they become philanthropists God will only see good in them. Even reading my reference material I couldnt understand why God made reference to Gilgal sacrificing bulls (12: 11). I assumed animal sacrifice was acceptable, at that time, and couldnt understand why God was angry at Gill.
His inclusion of Jacob in the reasons for Israels downfall led me to wonder whether the priests of today are feeding off other peoples misery and sins. I find many current articles and news stories of priests committing acts of pedophilia quite disturbing; are we also headed in the same direction as Israel and Judah? Chapter 13 made me wonder about Catholics. Im not nor do I profess to be an expert on religion, but I have to wonder when I see Catholics praying to God through the Virgin Mary, St. Peter, St. Anthony, St.
Pauly Girl, (a lame attempt at humor), and other saints and what I think are deities. It also made me wonder about my lack of knowledge about other religions besides my own Presbyterian background. Am I wrong to assume other major religions are trying to develop a relationship with God through the worship of idols? My own ignorance of other religions became quite apparent to me when I thought of the many religous images we take for granted, i. e. Crosses, images of Saints, statues and images of Jesus, etc.
I also wonder what will happen to atheists and agnostics. Though I dont think they worship false Gods I feel that denying the Gods existence is just as bad. I felt that God was bribing the Israelites in chapter 14 by telling them what He would bestow upon them if they came back into his fold. I also sensed that God was unable to control his? chosen people?
even though he constantly told them, through his prophet Hosea, what would happen to them should they stray from his flock. Since He was unable to control them I felt He had no recourse but to try to show them the benefits they would reap for their love and worship of Him. I also got the feeling that he was a benevolent God and would love mankind no matter what sins they committed. I came away from reading the book of Hosea feeling their was hope for all mankind. Though Im constantly bombarded by newspaper articles and television reports about the sins and evils of mankind I know that deep down man is not evil nor is he wicked. I feel though, that society has a great deal to say about his brothers, and sisters, actions.
Should we turn a? blind-eye? to the sins and wickedness of others, are we not just as sinful and wicked. God gives us a choice and its up to us to determine the path well take. I have to honestly say this is the first chapter of the Bible (Old and New Testament) that Ive studied this thoroughly and I can also say this will not be the last.
I came into this course thinking it was just a requirement for me to receive my degree and Ill leave it with the knowledge that Ive received more than just three credit hours. References Rainbow Studies, Inc. (1992). The new international version rainbow study bible (4 th ed. ). El Reno, Oklahoma: Author Scott, Jack B. (1971). The book of hosea: a study manual (2 nd Printing). Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House.
Tullock, John H. (1981). The old testament story (3 rd ed. ). Englewoods Cliff, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, inc. Southwestern Journal of Theology (Fall 1975).
Studies in hosea (No. 1). Fort Worth, Texas: Faculty of the School of Theology, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Wood, Fred M. (1975). Hosea: prophet of reconciliation. Nashville, Tennessee: Convention Press. Random House Websters College Dictionary (1991).
New York, Random House Inc.
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