1. HOSEA Prophet of Suffering Love

2. HOSEA: THE BOOK Part of “The Book of the Twelve” in Hebrew Bible Part of “The Book of the Twelve” in Hebrew Bible Message is almost entirely to the Northern Kingdom (never mentions Jerusalem or any city of S. Kingdom) Message is almost entirely to the Northern Kingdom (never mentions Jerusalem or any city of S. Kingdom) Time Frame: Reigns of 4 kings of Judah & 1 king of Israel (1:1). Time Frame: Reigns of 4 kings of Judah & 1 king of Israel (1:1). Era described in 2 Kings 14:23-29 (752-724 B.C.) Era described in 2 Kings 14:23-29 (752-724 B.C.) A time of relative peace & prosperity, which lulled people into thinking “all is well” - & it wasn’t A time of relative peace & prosperity, which lulled people into thinking “all is well” - & it wasn’t

3. HOSEA: THE MAN Little known about him except for father’s name (Beeri) Little known about him except for father’s name (Beeri) Israel’s unfaithfulness to God (“adultery”) is illustrated in the tragedy of Hosea’s marriage to Gomer Israel’s unfaithfulness to God (“adultery”) is illustrated in the tragedy of Hosea’s marriage to Gomer Like other prophets, he suffered great pain & humiliation in order to convey God’s message Like other prophets, he suffered great pain & humiliation in order to convey God’s message

4. HOSEA: PLOT Hosea is told to marry Gomer, a prostitute & have children by her Hosea is told to marry Gomer, a prostitute & have children by her Gomer gives birth to 3 children; not all are Hosea’s Gomer gives birth to 3 children; not all are Hosea’s Gomer apparently leaves Hosea for another man & ends up being sold into slavery Gomer apparently leaves Hosea for another man & ends up being sold into slavery Hosea finds Gomer & buys her back for himself Hosea finds Gomer & buys her back for himself The Hosea/Gomer story becomes a parable of Israel’s unfaithfulness toward God & of His undying love for her The Hosea/Gomer story becomes a parable of Israel’s unfaithfulness toward God & of His undying love for her Israel has sinned gravely & must be punished, but God will eventually redeem her Israel has sinned gravely & must be punished, but God will eventually redeem her

5. HOSEA: KEY VERSE “Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.” Hosea 14:9

6. HOSEA: LESSONS FOR TODAY 1.God’s grace & love are immeasurable & completely _____________. 2.Our sin & disregard for God are painful & ______________ for Him. 3.God can & will “_______________” us if we persist in sin & unfaithfulness. 4.God will do/has done everything within His power & pay any ______________ to bring us back to Him.