Open English Translation HOS Introduction

Introduction

This document is about what was prophesied long ago by the prophet Hoshea (often wrongly known in English as ‘Hosea’) around 800 before Yeshua/Jesus (B.C.) and before Shomron (Samaria) was destroyed by invading armies. The prophets Hoshea and Amos gave similar prophecies to the people in similar period, but Hoshea continued on for several years longer. In those times, Israel was divided into two countries. The northern part where Hoshea preached continued to be known as Israel and was also named as ‘Efraim’ (the name of a prominent tribe in that northern kingdom). Shomron (Samaria) was its capital city. The smaller, southern part of the former, larger Israel was named Yehudah (after the largest tribe in that area).

In this document, Hoshea showed the arguments between those who followed Yahweh, and those who had decided to change their allegiance to idols and other gods. The latter were like Hoshea’s disobedient spouse Gomir who left him behind. Also, Hoshea was very sad about how the people argued and worshipped false gods, and no longer trusted their God Yahweh. But in the ending, God again displayed his love towards his people and wanted to bring them back to him. His love for them was very strong, and he revealed this to them through Hoshea’s sorrowful speeches, “How can I give you up, O Efraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? … My heart is turned over within me—all my compassions are aroused.” (11:8).

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