“Lack of Knowledge”
Hosea prophesied in the reign of Jeroboam II, most likely after Amos had prophesied to Israel, around 750 B.C. His name means “salvation” or “deliverance,” and although we don’t know exactly where he was from, it appears that he was originally from the northern kingdom of Israel. Knowing he was sent to Israel in a similar timeframe as Amos is interesting as these men appear to be very different. Whereas Amos is stern, and his language emphasizes justice, Hosea seems to be focused on mercy and filled with more emotion. Hosea is still bringing a message of judgment against the Israelites, but the tone is very different from that found in Amos.
Hosea is probably best known for his instruction to “marry a woman of promiscuity.” Hosea married Gomer, and they had a son whom they named Jezreel. The name itself was a prophecy of coming judgment in the Valley of Jezreel. Gomer again became pregnant with a daughter who was named Lo-ruhamah – which means “no compassion.” This again was a reference to the judgment coming. Finally, Gomer had another son who they were to name Lo-ammi, meaning “not my people.” God was saying that the Israelites were no longer going to be His people, nor would He be their God. At some point, Gomer apparently left Hosea, and Hosea was instructed by God to go get her and to show her love. Gomer was in a situation where Hosea must purchase her back, which Hosea does and then instructs her to remain faithful. This story of Hosea’s personal life encompasses the first three chapters of the book and sets the scene for God’s message from Hosea.
The most obvious message is the metaphor of God’s relationship with His people shown through Hosea and his marriage. The Israelites were the unfaithful spouse who was causing deep pain and grief, but the Lord was willing to take back His people and not just take them back but show them love. In fact, in chapter 2, God says they will be His wife forever (2:19).
The rest of the book details the case God has against Israel and His pleas with them for repentance. In chapter 4, God specifically calls out that His people are being destroyed for a “lack of knowledge” – the knowledge that is provided by God. He goes on to say that they “have forgotten the law” which has manifested itself through their idolatry. The people are relying on wooden idols rather than the living God. Then in chapter 5, God makes it clear that the people are arrogant, and their actions are preventing them from returning to the Lord. Chapter 6 begins with a call for repentance stating that the Lord can bind the very wounds He has inflicted on them in judgment. Beautiful language is used to describe the permanence of God when comparing Him to the dawn that comes each day (6:3). God then goes on to tell the Israelites that He desires “faithful love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” (6:6). Chapter 7 describes how the people are blind to who can save them: “They do not cry to me from their hearts; rather, they wail on their beds. They slash themselves for grain and new wine; they turn away from me” (7:14). The list and evidence continues to stack up against Israel, but the last two chapters hold a message of hope. In chapter 13 verse 14, God states that He will “ransom them from the power of Sheol, [He] will redeem them from death.” He goes on to ask “Death, where are your barbs? Sheol, where is your sting?” Finally, in chapter 14, God tells them He will heal them and freely love them, and Hosea adds an interesting last note at the end of the book stating, “Let whoever is wise understand these things, and whoever is insightful recognize them. For the ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them” (14:9).
This postscript at the end of the book is fascinating as Hosea is pointing us back to the wisdom of Proverbs 1:7 that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…”. If we are wise, we will not be destroyed by a lack of knowledge, but if we are rebellious, the law of the Lord will be a stumbling block to us.
So, what are we to learn from Hosea today? As with all the books of the minor prophets, I believe Hosea’s lessons to be just as applicable today as it was to those who originally heard the message.
Do we really understand the impact our sins have on God and take seriously the pain and grief inflicted on the Lord by our idolatrous ways?
Do we have a deep respect for God’s word and a passion for the knowledge of God?
Do we seek help from the correct source – our Lord, rather than looking to the world around us?
Finally, are we acting with wisdom and insightfulness by seeking for the kingdom of God?
Although Hosea had a different tone than Amos, they were both telling us the same story. The story of God’s love, but also His administration of justice. Let us heed the moral of this story and live in wisdom by seeking the knowledge of God.
