Hosea

Hosea was a prophet in the northern kingdom of Israel and the author of the Book of Hosea, one of the Twelve Minor Prophets in the Hebrew Bible. Dated to the 8th century BCE, his prophecies address the period of political stability followed by religious and social decay under kings such as Jeroboam II. The book presents a critique of Israel’s covenant faithlessness and reliance on foreign alliances, while asserting Yahweh’s continuing concern for the people.

A central motif is Hosea’s personal marriage to Gomer, used as a symbolic representation of Israel’s unfaithfulness to Yahweh. Their children—Jezreel, Lo-Ruhamah, and Lo-Ammi—signal judgment and future restoration. Jezreel refers to divine punishment and scattering, Lo-Ruhamah means “not loved,” and Lo-Ammi means “not my people,” underscoring the severed covenant and the hope of reconciliation.

The book interweaves oracles of judgment against Israel and social criticism with appeals to repentance, knowledge of God, and steadfast love. It condemns idolatry, adulterous alliances, and social injustice, especially neglect of the poor and the vulnerable. Yet it also emphasizes mercy, covenant faithfulness, and a future restoration for a remnant of Israel.

Hosea’s message has had a lasting influence on prophetic literature and theological thought in Judaism and Christianity. It is cited for its portrayal of divine steadfast love and the tension between judgment and mercy, and for its vivid metaphorical language that shapes later biblical interpretation.