The book of Hosea stands as the first of the works of the twelve latter prophets (also known as the Minor Prophets). Hosea is best known for his metaphors: Israel as the Lord’s wife, Israel as the Lord’s son…. Hosea’s metaphorical message was not only preached, it was also acted out in his life. The stories are powerful and memorable.
Hosea 1:1-9
1 The word of the Lord that came to Hosea son of Beeri, in the days of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah and in the days of King Jeroboam son of Joash of Israel.
2 When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea, “Go, take for yourself a wife of prostitution and have children of prostitution, for the land commits great prostitution by forsaking the Lord.” 3 So he went and took Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.
4 And the Lord said to him, “Name him Jezreel, for in a little while I will punish the house of Jehu for the blood of Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel. 5 On that day I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel.”
6 She conceived again and bore a daughter. Then the Lord said to him, “Name her Lo-ruhamah, for I will no longer have pity on the house of Israel or forgive them. 7 But I will have pity on the house of Judah, and I will save them by the Lord their God; I will not save them by bow or by sword or by war or by horses or by horsemen.”
8 When she had weaned Lo-ruhamah, she conceived and bore a son. 9 Then the Lord said, “Name him Lo-ammi, for you are not my people, and I am not your God.”
Makes you want to keep reading.
Prayer
God, speak to me in in words that I can understand, and in images that grab my attention and find a place in my heart. Help me to learn of your love, and to be loved back into a closer relationship with you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
