The Lord as seen in the book of Hosea

The faithfulness of the Lord to His covenant, symbolized and demonstrated, by means of discipline with the promise of redemption; written to instruct us about how the Lord deals with His people: namely, His justice in punishing sin and mercy in forgiving sin.

The Faithfulness of the Lord to His covenant

The very fact that Hosea has been sent to the children of Israel proves the faithfulness of the Lord to His covenant. Every prophet who ever uttered a prophesy, every statute written in the Law proves this.

Symbolized and demonstrated in Hosea by means of disciple with the promise of redemption

4 Commands given to symbolize and demonstrate the Indictment the Lord has against the Children of Israel: (this is His discipline)

1. Command: Marry a woman who will be unfaithful to you. (1:2)
   Reason: Israel is unfaithful to the Covenant.
2. Command: Call your son Jezreel (1:4)
   Reason: I will avenge the blood of Jezreel by the house of Jehu
3. Command: Call your daughter No Mercy (1:6)
   Reason: I will no longer have mercy on the house of Israel.
4. Command: Call your other son Not My People (1:9)
   Reason: You are not my people and I am not your God.

   Yet, in spite of their unfaithfulness, the Lord promises redemption: He remembers His promise to Abraham:
   1:10 Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And in the place where it was said to them, ”You are not my people,” it shall be said to them, ”Children of the living God.”

Covenant Language alluding to Gen 22:15-18 “And the angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from
heaven and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, because you have done this and have not withheld
your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and
as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring
shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”

Verse 11 – prophesy of Christ being the “head appointed”

2:11 and 2:23– Promise of showing mercy and being my people

1 Command given to symbolize the Faithfulness of the Lord to the Children of Israel:
Command: Love the woman who is unfaithful to you (3:1)
Reason: The Lord loves the Children of Israel

Written to instruct us about how the Lord deals with His people:

1) Justice in punishing sin

Like a loving parent, the Lord will not let His children continue in their destructive ways, but will discipline and correct them.

2) Mercy in forgiving sin.

The Lord will not cast off, but will have mercy. He will have compassion and He will continue to offer salvation.

Consider the Lord God of heaven and His justice and mercy!