The Book of Hosea

Historical Background

Although we do not know exactly when Hosea lived and preached, his writings suggest he lived between approximately 760–720 B.C. This would mean he lived at the same time as Isaiah, Micah, and possibly Amos. His message is generally directed to the Northern Kingdom, which was conquered and carried away by the Assyrians in 722 B.C. The people of the Northern Kingdom had grown increasingly wicked—especially in their worship of the idol Baal. This idolatrous religion was so wicked it even involved immoral acts as one part of “sacred” ceremonies. These practices were very offensive to God, and Hosea probably used such powerful and dramatic symbols and teaching as a result of these practices.

A Love Story

The book of Hosea begins with a marriage. Although the marriage is not one we all hope for, the story is told in such a way that we see love displayed in a truly remarkable manner. The story says Hosea is the husband, but the “real” husband is the Lord, and the wife is the children of Israel. The marriage represents the Lord’s covenant with His people. The story is perhaps the most dramatic explanation in all scripture of the Lord’s love for His children and His commitment to the covenants He makes with them. It also illustrates the responsibility of the children of Israel to keep their covenants with God and avoid all kinds of idolatry, anciently and today.

Teaching with Symbols

Hosea used many images and symbols to teach his message. For example, he used a husband, a father, a lion, a leopard, a she-bear, dew, and rain as symbols of the Lord. And he used a wife, a sick person, a grapevine, grapes, olive trees, a woman in childbirth, morning mist, and other symbols to represent Israel. Even the name Hosea is symbolic. It comes from the same Hebrew root as Joshua, which is the Hebrew name for Jesus. Hosea’s name is appropriate because his message can help us learn about and feel more deeply the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Other names in the book, such as the names of Hosea’s children, also have symbolic meaning.