HOSEA Bible Studies
Hosea is the first of the "Minor Prophets" and it is assumed that he lived in the northern confederation of tribes of Israel before it was destroyed by the Assyrians. The book emphasises the need to worship God sincerely and form a personal loving relationship with Him rather than simply engaging in ritualistic worship. Some commentators have described Hosea as the "St John of the Old Testament". He decries the people's ignorance of even the most basic elements of the covenantal relationship that they were supposed to have with God. Past historical events in the nation's history are often recalled by Hosea as evidence of God's faithfulness in dealing with the nation and are contrasted with the people's lack of faithfulness. While much of the book deals with the failure and judgement related to the collapse of that covenant relationship with God, the final chapters do allude to hope in a reconciliation in the future. These studies are designed to serve as a warning to Christians not to take the covenant relationship that we have with God through Jesus Christ in a casual or inappropriate manner.