The second section of Hosea (4:1-14:10) consists entirely of prophetic messages that Hosea delivered. These messages are generally grouped into sections chronologically:

• Chapters 4-8 likely reflect the earlier period of Hosea’s ministry (~20 years) during the reigns of Kings Jeroboam II Pekah which included prosperity in the beginning tainted by moral corruption, but also involved the Northern Kingdom in a regional war
• Chapters 9-12 reflect the three year period of peace following the regional was war; and
• Chapters 13-14 reflect the last ten years of the Northern Kingdom, which was destroyed in 722 BC by the Empire of Assyria.

The Lord’s Lawsuit against Israel (4:1-11:11)

The section begins with a brief prophetic message at the beginning of the collection of Hosea’s messages, which serves as a summary of Hosea’s proclamation: “Hear the word of the LORD, O people of Israel, for the LORD has a grievance against the inhabitants of the land.” (Hosea 4:1)

The messages highlight the corrupt and incompetent leadership of the priests and prophets, especially those who worship other gods alongside the Lord and who try to silence Hosea’s witness. Hosea also condemns the moral evil and political intrigues of the nation.

God the Loving Parent (11:1-11)

A tender, even heart-wrenching, message from God about the Lord’s love for the child Israel: “When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the farther they went from me, Sacrificing to the Baals and burning incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, who took them in my arms” (Hosea 11:1–3)

God promises that on the other side of judgment, the relationship will continue: “How could I give you up, O Ephraim, or deliver you up, O Israel? …My heart is overwhelmed, my pity is stirred. I will not give vent to my blazing anger, I will not destroy Ephraim again; For I am God and not man, the Holy One present among you; I will not let the flames consume you.” (11:8-9).

The Lord’s Lawsuit against Israel and Judah (11:12 through 14:19)

Messages of Judgment (11:12-13:16): This is another collection of prophetic messages of judgment. The messages highlight the corrupt and wicked political leadership of Israel; they also include the announcement that God has a lawsuit with Judah. In addition to the condemnation of the nation’s leaders, the wealthy are condemned as are those who worship gods other than the Lord.

Closing Summary of Hosea’s Proclamation: A Call to Repent (14:1-3)

Return, O Israel, to the LORD, your God; you have collapsed through your guilt. Take with you words, and return to the LORD; Say to him, “Forgive all iniquity, and receive what is good..” (14:2-3)

God the Faithful Gardener (14:5-9)

A hopeful message has been placed last in the book; it promises that God will make Israel blossom, take root, grow, be fragrant, and flourish.

5 I will heal their defection, I will love them freely; for my wrath is turned away from them.6 I will be like the dew for Israel: he shall blossom like the lily; He shall strike root like the Lebanon cedar,7 and put forth his shoots. His splendor shall be like the olive tree and his fragrance like the Lebanon cedar.8 Again they shall dwell in his shade and raise grain; They shall blossom like the vine, and his fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon.9 Ephraim! What more has he to do with idols? I have humbled him, but I will prosper him. “I am like a verdant cypress tree”— Because of me you bear fruit! (Hosea 14:5–9)

Image credit: The Prophet Hosea |  Transfiguration church, Kizhi monastery, Karelia, north Russia | PD-US