HOSEA (Minor Prophets)

HOSEA lived and prophesied in the northern kingdom of Israel near its end. Hosea was instructed to marry a harlot to illustrate to Israel the relationship between God and them, Israel being the unfaithful spouse. The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the LORD. So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim;Hosea 1:2,3 Sin is rampant in the land - By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone. Hosea 4:2,17 The repentence of Israel and Judah always seems to be short-term O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away. Hosea 6:4 Judgement is coming -For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: Hosea 8:7 They have been warned - I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets. Hosea 12:10 In Summary - Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. Hosea 10:12