Name
The book of Hosea is named for its author, Hosea, son of Beeri. Hosea means “salvation.”
Author
Hosea, son of Beeri, received the word of prophecy from the Lord (v. 1).
Genre
Hosea’s book is prophecy (the first of twelve books commonly referred to as the “Minor Prophets”).
Literary Form
Primarily prophetic poetry except for a prose introduction in chapter 1 and chapter 3.
Time Frame
Hosea does not specifically date the book. However, it is clear from verse 1 that the Lord called him to his prophetic ministry sometime during the reign of Jeroboam II (in the northern kingdom of Israel, 793 – 753 B.C.) and ended sometime during the reign of Hezekiah (in the southern kingdom of Judah, 716 – 686 B.C.).
Emphasis
Although Judah’s kingdom is mentioned several times  (1:7, 1:11, 6:11, 12:2), the emphasis of Hosea is on the northern kingdom of Israel. The Israelites had sinned against God in four ways: 1) they had rejected God and His Law, 2) they worshiped idols and other gods, 3) they trusted in human works rather than in God, and 4) they committed injustices against each other (murder, theft, lying, and oppression of the poor).
In order to receive the blessings of God, the people needed to remain faithful to their covenant promise to God (Deuteronomy 28:1-14).
The book has five cycles of judgment and restoration in which God describes their sins, warns them of coming judgment, and reveals the blessings of being restored to Him:
- Judgment 1:2-9. Restoration 1:10-2:1.
- Judgment 2:2-13. Restoration 2:14-3:5.
- Judgment 4:1-5:14. Restoration 5:15 – 6:3.
- Judgment 6:4-11:7. Restoration 11:8-11.
- Judgment 11:12-13:16. Restoration 14:1-9.
Outline
- Israel’s unfaithfulness a picture of an adulterous marriage (1:1-3:5)
- Israel’s sins are proclaimed (4:1-7:16)
- Israel’s judgment is pronounced (8:1-10:15)
- Israel’s restoration is promised (11:1-14:9)
