July 19
Today's Reading: Hosea 1:1-2:1 (Note 2:1is part of the oracle in chapter 1.
From the Faithlife Study Bible:
Hosea prophesied in the northern kingdom of Israel from approximately 750 to 715 BC. This was a time of upheaval and uncertainty. Hosea prophesies the fall of Israel, but does not report the fulfillment of the prophecy—which came in 722 BC when the Assyrian Empire conquered Israel’s capital, Samaria.
In this first chapter, Hosea is instructed by God to marry an unfaithful woman as a picture of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. This marriage takes place at God’s direction and results in three children who are given symbolic names (verses 4, 6, 9). Beginning in verse 10, Hosea prophesies the future restoration of Israel and Judah and the time when God will once again call Israel "my people". Later in chapter 3, Hosea illustrates that restoration when he redeems Gomer in spite of her unfaithfulness.
Hosea's prophecy reminds us that God is both righteous and merciful. He does punish our disobedience, but He delights in showing mercy to those who also mourn over their sins and repent.
From the Faithlife Study Bible:
Hosea prophesied in the northern kingdom of Israel from approximately 750 to 715 BC. This was a time of upheaval and uncertainty. Hosea prophesies the fall of Israel, but does not report the fulfillment of the prophecy—which came in 722 BC when the Assyrian Empire conquered Israel’s capital, Samaria.
In this first chapter, Hosea is instructed by God to marry an unfaithful woman as a picture of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. This marriage takes place at God’s direction and results in three children who are given symbolic names (verses 4, 6, 9). Beginning in verse 10, Hosea prophesies the future restoration of Israel and Judah and the time when God will once again call Israel "my people". Later in chapter 3, Hosea illustrates that restoration when he redeems Gomer in spite of her unfaithfulness.
Hosea's prophecy reminds us that God is both righteous and merciful. He does punish our disobedience, but He delights in showing mercy to those who also mourn over their sins and repent.
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