People
The Prophet tasked with acting out God's relationship with Israel through his marriage.
Who was Hosea?
The capital city of the Northern Kingdom, representing idolatry and political failure.
What is Samaria?
Used to describe God's judgement in Hosea 5:14 and Hosea 13:7-8.
What is a Lion, Lioness or Young Lion? Either one would be correct.
Despite bringing judgment for idolatry, God promises to heal Israel's waywardness and love them freely.
What is Restoration and Healing?
The consequences of sin are portrayed as planting the wind and harvesting the whirlwind.
The Prophet's wife, "a promiscuous woman" representing Israel's unfaithfulness.
Who was Gomer?
A major worship site with a golden calf. The name of this city means "House of God"; Hosea called it Beth-Aven (House of wickedness or vanity).
What is Bethel?
Symbolizes fierce, unstoppable destruction in Hosea 13:8.
What is a Bear?
God promises to bring His people out of captivity and back to their land.
What is a Return from Exile?
The book outlines the necessity to turn back to God. It promises that God will reconcile His people if they turn back to Him, showcasing that judgement is not a final rejection of the Covenant but a tool for reconciliation.
The first child born to the Prophet and his wife whose name means "God sows/plants".
Who was Jezreel?
The foreign superpower to which Israel unfaithfully turned to instead of trusting in God. They would also be the nation that would invade and capture the northern kingdom.
What is Assyria?
Represents the swift, predatory approach of the Assyrian army (Hosea 8:1).
God promises to be like "the dew" to Israel, causing them to blossom like lilies, take root like cedars of Lebanon, and flourish like gardens.
What is Spiritual Refreshment?
The Prophet's marriage to his unfaithful wife serves as a metaphor for God's commitment to an unfaithful Israel.
What is Unconditional Love?
The Prophets second child birth by his wife but fathered by another man. This child's name means "no mercy/love".
Who was Lo-Ruhamah?
The place of past bondage and a forbidden, faithless ally.
What is Egypt?
Represents the foolishness and vulnerability of Ephraim (Israel). (Hosea 7:11 and Hosea 11:11)
What is a Dove?
God promises to respond and provide for His people.
What are Answered Prayers?
Hosea highlights that Israel lacks "knowledge" (yada) of God; a personal, relational understanding. God prefers steadfast love and knowledge of Him rather than superficial sacrifices and empty worship.
What is True Knowledge of God vs. Rituals?
The Prophet's third child birth by his wife but fathered by another man. This child's name means "Not my people".
Who was Lo-Ammi?
An ancient holy site that became a center of sinful worship, which God warns against.
What is Gilgal?
Represents the slow, consuming destruction of God's judgement (Hosea 5:12).
What is a Moth or Dry Rot? Either one would be correct.
God promises to "betroth" Israel to Himself forever in righteousness and faithfulness, reversing their rejection.
What is a New Covenant?
The Prophet argues that turning to idols (like Baal) is a breach of the Ten Commandments and leads to moral decay and social injustice.
What is idolatry as Self-Destruction?