When the Lord first began speaking to Israel through Hosea, he said to him, “Go and marry a prostitute, so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution. This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the Lord and worshiping other gods.”
Key Phrases to Highlight
Key Verse: Hosea 1:2 – When the Lord first began speaking to Israel through Hosea, he said to him, “Go and marry a prostitute, so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution. This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the Lord and worshiping other gods.”
Hosea 1:6 – “Name your daughter Lo-ruhamah—‘Not loved’—for I will no longer show love to the people of Israel or forgive them.”
Hosea 1:9 – “Name him Lo-ammi—‘Not my people’—for Israel is not my people, and I am not their God.”
Notes to Write in the Margin
Background: The Northern Kingdom of Israel was experiencing a period of material prosperity. They worshiped the Canaanite fertility god Baal, believing Baal provided prosperity. But Israel faced the Assyrian threat, which they tried to survive by forming shifting political alliances rather than trusting God.
Hosea ministered from 760-720 BCE and was a contemporary of Amos, Isaiah, and Micah.Hosea’s marriage to a prostitute is a “living parable,” comparing it to God’s relationship with Israel.
Hosea 1:10 – Hope/Reversal
Cross References
Historical context of the kings of Judah – 2 Chronicles 26-28.
Contemporary prophets – Micah 1:1, Isaiah 1:1, Amos 1:1
Recommended Video
(3:00) Why did God tell Hosea to marry a prostitute in Hosea 1:2? | GotQuestions.org
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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.