Welcome to the Hosea Study Guide
Explore the profound depths of the first Minor Prophet through comprehensive exegetical analysis, literary examination, and theological reflection.
About the Book of Hosea
The Book of Hosea inaugurates the corpus of the Minor Prophets, presenting God's relationship with Israel through the powerful metaphor of marriage. Written during the tumultuous 8th century BCE in the northern kingdom of Israel (ca. 750-720 BCE), Hosea's prophecy spans approximately thirty years—from the prosperous but morally corrupt reign of Jeroboam II through the chaotic succession of six kings in twenty years, culminating in the Assyrian destruction of Samaria in 722 BCE.
Central to Hosea's message is the tension between divine judgment and incredible mercy. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness (portrayed as adultery), God's חֶסֶד (ḥesed) remains constant. The book reveals not only Israel's covenant violations but also the divine character—a God torn between justice and compassion, whose ultimate goal is restoration.
How to Use This Study Guide
For First-Time Readers: Start with the Structure page to understand Hosea's organization, then explore Hebrew Words to grasp key concepts. The Timeline provides essential historical context.
For Bible Study Groups: Each section includes discussion-worthy content. The Theology section offers profound topics for group reflection, while Literary Analysis reveals the beauty of Hebrew poetry.
For Academic Study: The Resources page provides comprehensive bibliographies. Literary Analysis and NT Usage sections offer scholarly depth with proper citations.
Navigation Tip: Use the left sidebar for quick navigation. Track your progress and bookmark important sections for later reference!
Explore the Study Guide
Book Structure
Discover the sophisticated literary architecture of Hosea, including detailed outlines, the three major divisions, and extensive chiastic structures that reveal the book's theological center.
Not StartedHebrew Words
Master the key Hebrew vocabulary organized by theme: covenant relationship, sin and judgment, restoration and hope. Includes transliterations, meanings, and verse references.
Not StartedLiterary Analysis
Examine Hosea's masterful use of parallelism, metaphors, wordplay, and poetic devices. Understand how literary artistry serves theological truth.
Not StartedTheological Themes
Explore major theological concepts: the character of God, knowledge of God (דַּעַת אֱלֹהִים), sin and repentance, divine pathos, and contemporary relevance.
Not StartedHistorical Timeline
Visualize the historical context with an interactive timeline of kings, major events, and Hosea's ministry. Understand the political chaos that shaped his message.
Not StartedNT Usage
Trace how New Testament writers used Hosea to explain God's mercy, Christ's identity, and Gentile inclusion. Includes all quotations and their theological significance.
Not StartedStudy Resources
Access comprehensive bibliography including academic commentaries, specialized studies, archaeological insights, and practical study suggestions.
Key Themes in Hosea
Marriage Metaphor
God as faithful husband, Israel as unfaithful wife—unprecedented in Ancient Near Eastern literature.
Divine Pathos
God's emotional vulnerability and genuine heartbreak over covenant betrayal.
Knowledge of God
Not intellectual but experiential, covenantal, ethical, and transformative relationship.
Judgment as Discipline
Divine wrath serves redemptive purposes—God punishes to heal, withdraws to be sought.
Hope Through Judgment
Every judgment oracle contains seeds of restoration—God's mercy triumphs.
Covenant Loyalty
חֶסֶד (ḥesed) and faithfulness as the heart of true worship.