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The Prophet Hosea. He lived around 760-720 BC. He began to prophesy during the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II. His message was primarily to northern Kingdom of Israel.
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The Prophet Hosea He lived around 760-720 BC He began to prophesy during the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II His message was primarily to northern Kingdom of Israel The people of the Northern Kingdom had grown increasingly wicked and immoral acts were actually part of their religious ceremonies
The Book of Hosea begins with a Marriage Hosea is the husband The wife is named Gomer The entire message is symbolic
Using Symbols to get the message across The Lord Israel Hosea/Husband Gomer/Wife Lion Sick person Leopard Grapevine She-Bear Grapes Dew Olive Trees A woman in childbirth Rain Morning Mist Hosea means Jesus
The Marriage Covenant as a teaching tool Whether Hosea’s marriage was literal or symbolic, the religious significance of chapters 1–3 is quite clear. Hosea’s wives represent Israel, the disloyal and unfaithful wife of Jehovah, who stipulates that unless Israel puts aside her sins and reforms she will meet with stern action. For her gross sins she will be checked and punished and thus learn through bitter experience that her husband means more to her than she at first supposed
Interpret the Symbolism Why did Gomer leave her husband? Hosea 2:5 Why did she go back? Hosea 2:7
Hosea 2 Explains how & why the Lord will chasten Israel A modern message: D&C 95:1
“The image of a loving, forgiving God comes through clearly to those who read and understand the scriptures. Since he is our Father, he naturally desires to raise us up, not to push us down, to help us live, not to bring about our spiritual death” Elder SpencerW. Kimball (The Miracle of Forgiveness [1969], 344).
What are some ways that the Lord tries to persuade us to come back to Him? Hosea 2:14-23
Truth: Our sins can trap us in situations we want to be rescued from Hosea 3:2 How does Hosea rescue Gomer? How does the Lord rescue us?
Hosea 3:3-5 How was Gomer supposed to show she appreciated being rescued & redeemed?
Apply it to yourself: Luke 10:25-27 Mosiah 2:21-24 D&C 59:8
Hosea 4:1-3 The Sins of Israel & Judah Northern Kingdom = Ephraim Southern Kingdom = Judah
Hosea 6:1-3, 6 If you’re gonna repent, be sincere
Hosea 7-10 To what is Israel compared? 7:11, 8:9, 9:10, 10:1 You reap what you sow
Hosea 11 This is how much I’ve loved you
Hosea 12-14 I have loved you forever, Won’t you return to me?
I have loved you forever, Won’t you return to me?