Character Study Of Hosea Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF HOSEA – PROPHET WHO MARRIED GOMER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Hosea 1:2

"The beginning of the word of the Lord by Hosea. And the Lord said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the Lord."

Supporting Texts:

Hosea 2:14-23, Hosea 4:1-6, Hosea 6:1-6, Hosea 11:1-4, Hosea 14:1-9

INTRODUCTION

Hosea was a prophet to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during a time of great moral and spiritual decline. His life and message were a symbol of God’s love, mercy, and judgment upon His unfaithful people.

God commanded Hosea to marry Gomer, an unfaithful woman, as a living parable of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. Despite Gomer’s repeated betrayals, Hosea’s love and willingness to redeem her mirrored God’s unwavering love and desire to restore His people.

The Book of Hosea teaches us about God's covenant love, His call for repentance, and His promise of restoration.

1. HOSEA'S CALL TO PROPHETIC MINISTRY

a) Called to be a prophet to Israel (Hosea 1:1)

He prophesied during the reign of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.

b) Commissioned to marry an unfaithful woman (Hosea 1:2)

His marriage symbolised Israel’s unfaithfulness to God.

c) Had three children with symbolic names (Hosea 1:3-9)

Jezreel (God will scatter), Lo-Ruhamah (No mercy), Lo-Ammi (Not my people).

d) His personal life was a message of God’s relationship with Israel (Hosea 3:1)

He was commanded to love and redeem Gomer despite her unfaithfulness.

e) Biblical Example: Ezekiel also acted out prophetic messages (Ezekiel 4:1-5).

2. HOSEA'S MESSAGE TO ISRAEL

a) Israel had forsaken God for idolatry (Hosea 4:12-13)

They worshipped Baal and other false gods.

b) Their leaders and priests were corrupt (Hosea 4:6)

They rejected knowledge and led people into sin.

c) God called them to repentance (Hosea 6:1-2)

He desired mercy, not sacrifice.

d) God warned of judgment if they did not return (Hosea 8:7-8)

They would reap the consequences of their sins.

e) Biblical Example: Jonah also preached repentance to a sinful nation (Jonah 3:1-5).

3. GOD'S LOVE AND REDEMPTION IN HOSEA

a) God’s love is unconditional (Hosea 11:1-4)

He loved Israel despite their unfaithfulness.

b) He is always willing to forgive (Hosea 14:1-2)

If they repented, He would heal their backsliding.

c) God desires a personal relationship with His people (Hosea 6:6)

He prefers loyalty over empty rituals.

d) His redemption is costly but full of grace (Hosea 3:2)

Hosea bought Gomer back, just as Christ redeems sinners.

e) Biblical Example: The prodigal son’s father also displayed unconditional love (Luke 15:20-24).

4. HOSEA'S PROPHECIES OF JUDGMENT AND HOPE

a) Israel’s punishment would come through exile (Hosea 9:3)

They would be taken to Assyria.

b) Their destruction was because of their rejection of God (Hosea 4:6)

They perished for lack of knowledge.

c) Judgment was certain, but God’s mercy remained (Hosea 14:4)

He promised to heal and restore.

d) God compared His love to that of a faithful husband (Hosea 2:19-20)

He longed to be reconciled with Israel.

e) Biblical Example: Nehemiah also prayed for Israel’s restoration (Nehemiah 1:4-11).

5. HOSEA’S DIFFICULT MOMENTS

a) His personal life was filled with emotional pain (Hosea 1:2)

Loving Gomer was heartbreaking.

b) He had to endure public shame (Hosea 3:1)

People likely mocked his marriage.

c) His message was often ignored (Hosea 4:1-6)

Israel refused to listen.

d) He prophesied during a time of great instability (Hosea 7:11-16)

Kings were being assassinated, and the nation was declining.

e) Biblical Example: Noah also preached to an unrepentant people (Genesis 6:5-7).

6. HOSEA’S STRENGTHS

a) He was obedient to God’s difficult command (Hosea 1:2-3)

He obeyed despite personal pain.

b) He displayed unconditional love (Hosea 3:1-2)

He pursued and redeemed Gomer.

c) He remained faithful in a time of great wickedness (Hosea 4:1-2)

Israel was filled with sin, but he remained steadfast.

d) He boldly proclaimed God’s message (Hosea 6:1-3)

He called Israel to repentance.

e) Biblical Example: Jeremiah also remained faithful despite rejection (Jeremiah 20:9).

7. LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF HOSEA

a) God’s love is greater than human failure (Hosea 3:1)

He loves us even when we fail.

b) True love is sacrificial (Hosea 3:2)

Hosea paid a price to redeem Gomer, just as Christ redeemed us.

c) God calls His people to faithfulness (Hosea 6:6)

He desires loyalty, not religious rituals.

d) Sin has consequences, but God offers restoration (Hosea 14:4)

Judgment is real, but so is mercy.

e) Biblical Example: Peter denied Christ but was restored (John 21:15-17).

CONCLUSION

Hosea’s life was a living demonstration of God’s love, mercy, and justice. His marriage to Gomer was a painful but powerful message about Israel’s spiritual unfaithfulness and God’s relentless pursuit of His people.

Despite judgment, God always offers redemption to those who repent. Like Hosea, we must love unconditionally and remain faithful in difficult times.