Devotionals

The Restoration of a Fallen Bride Hosea

by Henry Jaegers
06/26/19
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THE TIMING OF THE PROPHECY

 The word of the Lord that came unto Hosea, the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel. (Hosea 1:1)

 The book of Hosea begins like most of the prophetical books. It describes the time that the prophet ministered. In doing so, we can go back to the book of Kings and Chronicles to determine what was happening during that time.

 We also discover the prophets, who ministered during that same time with a different message to the same people. By familiarizing ourselves with what was happening, when these prophets ministered, we get a clear picture of the condition of the people and the reason for that type of message.

 Although the reference given pertains to the Kings in the southern kingdom, it was while they were reigning, that Hosea spoke to the northern kingdom. More specific information is given that his ministry covers the periods of Joash the son of Ahab, and Jeroboam II, King of Israel. That means that Hosea saw what was happening during the time that Jehu was taking vengeance on the house of Ahab. This we shall give more reference to as we continue.

 As to the prophet himself, not much is said. The name Hosea is a derivative of the name of Joshua which means Savior or delivers. The name “Joshua” is the Hebrew name “Yeshua” which is the name given by God to Jesus. (Mathew 1:21) As to his family, he is the son of Beeri, to the Jewish mind, it is insignificant unless his father had done some mighty deed. Jeremiah, on the other hand, had a father who was a priest from Anathoth and he was well known. God is not concerned about pedigrees when it comes to calling his servants. Often in his service, God calls relatively unknown people to declare His message. The focus is, not on the messenger but on the message from God that he declares. It is also important to remember that God always matches the right person for each ministry.

 The interest is found as we explore the method God uses to address His people