Lesson 34: “I Will Betroth Thee unto Me in Righteousness”, Old Testament Class Member Study Guide, 23
Hosea 1–3; 11; 13–14
Who was Hosea?
Son of Beeri, and the only prophet of the northern kingdom who has left written prophecies. He began to prophesy during the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II. He probably died before the accession of Pekah, 736 B.C., for he makes no allusion to the Syro-Ephraimitic war nor to the deportation of the northern tribes by Tiglath-pileser two years later. He lived during a time of national decline and ruin, the result of the sin of Israel. Hosea’s fundamental idea is the love of God for his people. In love God redeemed them from Egypt (Hosea 11: 1); their history has been but an illustration of his love (11 - 13); all his chastisements are inflicted in love (Hosea 2: 14; Hosea 3); and their restoration shall be due to his love (Hosea 2: 19; Hosea 14: 4). In contrast with this moral Being, who is Love, Hosea sets Israel, characterized always by want of affection, by treachery and infidelity. Yet he is able to look forward to a final redemption (Hosea 2: 19; Hosea 11: 12 - 14: 9). The profound thought and pathos of this prophet of the north deeply influenced succeeding writers (see Isa. 40 - 66); Jer. 2; Jer. 3; Ezek. 16; Ezek. 33). (Bible Dictionary, also known as the sealed portion of the Bible)
In this lesson, the prophet Hosea uses the metaphor of the Lord compared to a bridge groom and his bride compared to an unfaithful wife.
The differences between a metaphor and simile can easily confuse people. It’s handy to understand how these two figures of speech differ, so that you can easily recognize one or the other when you encounter them in common speech, any type of writing and most especially literature. It can be said that the simile is much simpler than the metaphor. Actually the metaphor has numerous types, while the simile is a very straightforward comparison.
When you think of the word simile, think of the concept of “similar to,” when you’re making a comparison. You will almost always notice that this type of comparison is preceded by the words like or as.
As we have discussed so often, there are at least 4 key doctrines that answer the question "why" in life: Atonement, Plan of Happiness, Priesthood and Godhead.
This lesson focuses upon the later? As you read Hosea, ponder the following questions"
What is my relationship with Heavenly Father?
How often do I think about Heavenly Father and in what context?
This lesson at first brush seems a bit confusing, but if you think of it in terms of the metaphor Hosea is using and apply it to our day, you will find this lesson particularly relevant. Enjoy your study!
Study the following scriptures:
a. Hosea 1–3. Using the similitude of a faithful husband and an adulterous wife, the prophet Hosea describes the relationship between the Lord and Israel. In these chapters Hosea represents the Lord as the husband, and Gomer represents Israel as the wife.
b. Hosea 11; 13–14. Because of his love for his people, the Lord continues to invite Israel to repent and return to him.
• What does the comparison in Hosea 1–3 teach us about the level of commitment and devotion the Lord expects from us?
• Who or what were Israel’s “lovers”—the things that caused the people to turn from the Lord? What things may divert us from our dedication to following the Savior?
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