PART II., HOSEA 4-14. A series of addresses which give a summary of Hosea's prophetic teaching. The period presupposed seems to be the time of anarchy which followed the death of Jeroboam II (_c._ 743 B.C.). But there is no reason to suppose that the sections are arranged in chronological order. In... [ Continue Reading ]
HOSEA 5:15 TO HOSEA 6:3. ISRAEL'S CONFESSION AND PENITENCE. Yahweh, speaking in His own person, declares that He will return to His place (_i.e._ to heaven; _cf._ Micah 1:3), there to await Israel's penitence (Hosea 5:15). When trouble comes they will eagerly seek Him. Then follows (Hosea 6:1) a lig... [ Continue Reading ]
HOSEA 6:4 TO HOSEA 7:2. ISRAEL'S MORAL CONDITION HOPELESSLY CORRUPT. The shallow expressions of loyalty by the fickle people mean nothing, and cannot avert Yahweh's inevitable judgment. He looks for real loyalty, not for a hollow ritual of sacrifices (Hosea 6:4). Examples of the anarchy and crime th... [ Continue Reading ]