Hosea

Technical Profile

  • Name Meaning: Hebrew Hōšēaʿ (“salvation” or “he saves”), reflecting deliverance language used in Israel’s covenant tradition
  • Period/Era: Divided Kingdom (8th century BC, Northern Kingdom of Israel)
  • Main References: Hosea 1–14
  • Key Connections: Gomer (wife); children named Jezreel, Lo-ruhamah, and Lo-ammi; the Northern Kingdom (“Ephraim/Israel”) addressed as covenant people

Who was Hosea?

Hosea was a prophet sent primarily to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the Divided Kingdom period.
His message addressed Israel’s covenant unfaithfulness, often described with marital and familial imagery.
The book presents his prophetic ministry through oracles, symbolic actions, and naming of his children.

Key Events & Achievements

  • Event 1: Married Gomer and publicly embodied a prophetic sign-act concerning Israel’s unfaithfulness (Hos. 1:2–3).
  • Event 2: Named his children with symbolic names—Jezreel, Lo-ruhamah, and Lo-ammi—to announce judgment and altered covenant status (Hos. 1:4–9).
  • Event 3: Delivered sustained prophetic indictments and calls to return to the LORD, including a concluding appeal to repentance (Hos. 14:1–2).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Hosea’s ministry presents covenant relationship with the LORD as requiring loyal knowledge of God rather than ritual alone.

Key Verse

"For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings." — Hosea 6:6, ESV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. To whom was Hosea sent primarily as a prophet?

2. Which set lists the symbolic names given to Hosea’s children?