This is what I have been studying for the last 3-4 weeks with a few friends and we have all been SO BLESSED by it, I knew I had to share it with you! Nobody ever thinks of an inductive study of HOSEA (usually) but I literally fell into a verse that has changed my perspective these last weeks. HOSEA CHAPTER 10, VERSE 12. I’m not planning on writing a study about this, but simply sharing ONE verse with you and how it can change your year! Many of us have read the bestseller REDEEMING LOVE by Francine Rivers and so we have a bit of background on this book. For those of us digging deep..it’s obvious we must understand the context of the book, why the author wrote it, and the spiritual state of Israel.
- HOSEA, considered a “minor” prophet wrote this book of the Old Testament. HIS NAME MEANS SALVATION.
- He wrote this book (like his contemporary Amos) to Israel also called Ephraim here. Other prophets ( like Isaiah) would be called to prophesy to the southern kingdom of Judah. But, the key thing to remember here is HOSEA is primarily addressing Israel as the tribe of Ephraim.
- This all happens during the reign of JEROBOAM II.
- During this time, the people were materialistically prosperous, but spiritually bankrupt.(Is it me or does that seem familiar?) Idol- worship replaced their worship of YAHWEH. Judgement from God would come to Ephriam (Israel) through the FALL OF ISRAEL TO ASSYRIA.
- Most of think of HOSEA and think of his sad marriage to GOMER. In summary, God specifically called HOSEA to “marry a woman of harlotry”. He did and she bore him 3 children with sad names reflecting Israel’s spiritual condition.
- Next on the time-line, GOMER deserts HOSEA to resume relationships with other men. Perhaps the most emotionally moving point of this book is that GOD called HOSEA to go find his adulterous wife (new being sold as a slave by a new boyfriend) and BUY HER BACK. Needless to say, the theme of REDEMPTION that GOD is trying to show us is apparent.
- HOSEA delivered all these messages in his 50 years as prophet of YAHWEH.
As always, we understand that the church does not replace Israel (see Romans 9-11) or here Ephraim. BUT, THE TIMELESS PRINCIPLES OF YAHWEH’S REDEMPTIVE LOVE IS CONSTANT. This is the lesson and blessing we receive as we read and study this tragic, yet powerful book. Consequently, chapter 10 verse 12 reflects our calling as a people redeemed!
HOSEA 10:12 “SOW TO YOURSELVES RIGHTEOUSNESS, REAP ACCORDING TO KINDNESS, BREAK UP YOUR FALLOW GROUND, SEEK YAHWEH, UNTIL HE COMES AND RAINS RIGHTEOUSNESS ON YOU.”