“Introduction”

• Hosea was called to prophesy to the northern kingdom(Israel).
• Hosea’s work lasted for nearly 40 years (from 760-720BC). The nation of
Israel was in serious trouble because of her sins.
• All the kings of Israel were evil, because they all continued idol worship.
• However, in the midst of this incredible sinful time, Hosea communicates
God’s love for Israel. The depth of God’s love is most clearly seen in Hosea.
• In chapters 1-3, the stage of the book is set by comparing the relationship of
Hosea to Gomer with that of God to Israel. In chapters 4-14, the calamitous
results of rejecting this kind of love are described.

God’s Marriage To Israel (Hos.1:1-3:5)
The setting is about Hosea and Gomer. God demanded a very challenging step of faith for Hosea (1:2-3). The adulterous wife may have been an immoral woman even before marriage. God tries to show how deeply hurt he was because of Israel. Israel was married to God. Yet, she had been terribly unfaithful to the relationship. The spiritual adultery of which she was guilty was an overall type of idolatry, but described in different forms.

• The fundamental form of idolatry was literally constructing statues and bowing
before them.
• Various parts of idolatrous practices involved worshipping fertility goddesses,
which included acts of sexual immorality.
• Another form of idolatry was materialism.
• Another form of idolatry was relying on her own strength or on other nations
rather than trusting God.

After Gomer deserted Hosea(ch.3), God required him to buy her back. God shows how he longs to reclaim Israel as his wife, inspite of rampant unfaithfulness. The forgiveness of God is amazing!

What forms of idolatry is visible in our lives? Are we relying on our own strength or on our leaders rather than trusting God? What place does money have in our hearts? Is our relationship with God pleasing to Him or hurting Him? God loves us and longs to have an intimate relationship with us.