Minor Prophets — Hosea
“Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the Lord their God, and David their king; and shall fear the Lord and His goodness in the latter days”
(Hosea 3:5).
The name Hosea means, “liberation” or “deliverance.” He has a message for both Israel and Judah. The message is concerning the abandonment and restoration of both Judah and Israel because of their unfaithfulness to Jehovah. Israel at this present time is without a king, a sacrifice, or a priest. However, when they return in true repentance the Lord will graciously take them up again, give them these three things, and though they are accused of adultery because of turning their heart’s affection to idols and worshiping false gods, yet He will own them as His own once again. “Then shall she say, I will go and return to my first husband; for then was it better with me than now” (Hosea 2:7).
In the meantime Hosea appeals to the conscience of the people as to the corruption and sin that had been allowed. He ends with the reminder, “The ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them” (Hosea 14:9). This is a good word for us as well. Are we walking in the ways of the Lord?
