Hosea

Overview – June 2016 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Hosea

“O Israel, return to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity; take words with you, and return to the Lord. Say to Him, ‘Take away all iniquity; receive us graciously, for we will offer the sacrifices of our lips.’” —Hosea 14:1-2 NKJV

Hosea, meaning “to save,” is an earlier prophecy, given during the reigns of several kings of Judah, ending with Hezekiah. Its first chapter is a brief survey of God’s dealings with Judah and Israel. Note that Israel is called “Ephraim” in this book, for it was this tribe that led Israel in rebellion. God pointed out the nation’s unfaithfulness and that they had been reduced to the same level as Gentiles – “not My people” (Hos. 1:9). Yet He affirms His sovereign grace in restoring them as “sons of the living God” (v.10). Both Judah and Israel will again be united under one Head.

The body of the book is engaged mainly with Israel (or Ephraim). It consists of a vigorous and scathing exposure of the debased corruption of the Ten Tribes, while Judah is only incidentally noticed.

The last chapter beautifully shows God as the resource and remedy for Ephraim’s ruined condition. God is shown in the blessed Person of His Son, though this is in measure veiled and not as clearly stated as in the New Testament. The chapter also calls tenderly for Ephraim’s return to the “LORD your God” (Hos. 14:1) – a call that produces precious results.

How needed is this book, not only to warn against a wandering heart, but also to show how to recover from it!

By Leslie M. Grant

This column is taken from the book: “The Bible, Its 66 Books In Brief.”
It is available for purchase from Believers Bookshelf USA.