Sometimes we box God into certain patterns of working that we think are correct, and that is not something we should do. In this case, God told Hosea to marry a prostitute, and we wonder “why would God do that” since He specifically condemned prostitution in the law given to Moses. Men like Billy Graham, Jerry Falwell, and Joel Osteen have received a lot of undeserved criticism because their ministries deviated in certain ways from what some people considered the norm. But God’s plans are not limited to our standards; God will judge each person for his or her faithfulness to His leading.
Hosea’s ministry covers the same historical period as Isaiah’s, circa 793-686 BC; they both worked during the reigns of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Hosea’s ministry was primarily for Israel, and his message dealt with their departure from God and to worthless idols and imaginary gods. The book deals with reasons for the turning away from God and finds fault with the religious and secular leaders. But along with the condemnation there is hope offered; God will not abandon His creation forever. The Key verses are found in Hosea 1:9-11. “And the Lord said, ‘Name him Lo-ammi – Not my people – for
Israel is not my people, and I am not their God’. Yet the time will come when Israel’s people will be like the sands of the seashore – too many to count! Then, at the place where they were told, ‘You are not my people,’ it will be said, ‘You are the children of the living God’.” NLT.
Outline:
1A. Hosea’s personal experience. Chapters 1-3
2A. Hosea’s message to spiritual and political leaders. Chapters 4-8
3A. Hosea’s message to the nation’s people. Chapters 9-14