Chronology of Prophets 9th Century Prophets- Obadiah, Joel 8th Century Prophets- Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Micah 7th & 6th Century Prophets- Nahum, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Jeremiah Prophets during exile- Daniel, Ezekiel Prophets after the exile- Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi HISTORICAL CONTEXT Hosea is a minor prophet prophesying to the Northern Kingdom (Israel). The Northern Kingdom would be invaded and defeated by the Assyrians. In the Hebrew Bible the minor prophets were combined into one book called; “The Twelve.” Hosea’s ministry lasted approximately 40-50 years. God uses the Prophet Hosea and his family as an illustration of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God and God’s love and faithfulness to His people. LIFE SAVERS FROM HOSEA God pursues us even when we are running from Him (chapters 1-3) Hosea’s wife, Gomer Illustration: When we worship anything or anyone other than God, it is spiritual adultery. Hosea 3:1; Then the Lord said to me, “Go and love your wife again, even though she commits adultery with another lover. This will illustrate that the Lord still loves Israel, even though the people have turned to other gods and love to worship them. Hosea’s first son, Jezreel Illustration: When Israel sinned against God, they will be scattered. Hosea’s daughter, Lo-Ruhamah Illustration: There are always consequences for sin. Hosea’s second son, Lo-Ammi Illustration: God’s people have lost their identity. God loves us even when we are at our worst (chapters 4-7) The charges against Israel: Stopped growing spiritually (4:1,6) Stopped pursuing righteousness (4:1-2) and didn’t take responsibility for their actions 4:4 Stopped pursuing God (4:6; 11-13 (Idolatry) 5:13) God wants to bring us home, even if we’re far from Him (chapters 8- Hosea 11:8; “Oh, how can I give you up, Israel? How can I let you go? How can I destroy you like Admah or demolish you like Zeboiim? My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows. 2 Peter 3:9; The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance Tools and resources available at thisismybible.io | Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @thisismybibleio