J. Andrew Dearman considers the prophetic figure's historical roots in the covenant traditions of ancient Israel, includes his own translation of the biblical text, and masterfully unpacks Hosea's poetic, metaphorical message of betrayal, judgment, and reconciliation. --from publisher description

A 7-session Bible study to discover the God who cherishes you.

God never gives up. Even when you rebel, disobey or make a mistake, God continues to pursue you with a relentless love. In this twelve-session LifeGuide® Bible Study, Dale and Sandy Larsen lead you through the fascinating Old Testament story of Hosea, you'll see how a godly man's unfailing love for his wayward wife illustrates God's unconditional, "no-holds-barred" love for you, too. This revised LifeGuide Bible Study features additional questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, together with expanded leader's notes and a "Now or Later" section in each study. For over three decades LifeGuide Bible Studies have provided solid biblical content and raised thought-provoking questions—making for a one-of-a-kind Bible study experience for individuals and groups. This series has more than 130 titles on Old and New Testament books, character studies, and topical studies. PDF download with a single-user license; available from InterVarsity Press and other resellers.

I will commit myself to you forever—in steadfast love and tender compassion. (Hosea 2:19) The prophet Hosea used the heart-rending story of his marriage to an unfaithful wife as a moving object lesson of the pain which God felt when his people Israel rejected his love. Rather than worshipping the true God, who had brought them out of slavery in Egypt, the nation had reverted to worshipping idols to such an extent that God was compelled to use the words of the divorce formula and say to them “you are not my people.” Yet remarkably, when Hosea’s wife left him for another man, God’s command to the prophet was for him love his wife again, and take her back to his home—that by doing so he might illustrate the grace and unending love of God toward his erring people—the relationship was to be restored! In the midst of serious warnings for the unrepentant, the book of Hosea offers hope that no matter how far a relationship may have broken down, there are none which cannot be restored. In particular, our relationship with God can be renewed by his forgiveness and grace.

"The prophet Hosea ministered during one of the most difficult times in Israel's history. In Hosea's day, both Israel and Judah faced serious threats from Assyria. In addition, by the time Hosea completed his book, the kingdom of Israel had fallen under God's severe judgment, and judgment threatened Judah as well. In the midst of these struggles, God called Hosea to speak wisdom to his people. So, what did Hosea tell them? And what can we learn from his wisdom today?" -Thirdmill

A fascinating commentary on one of the most difficult of the Old Testament prophets.

The Story of Gomer has been performed across the nation, reaching thousands of people with the message of God's faithfulness and love. Adapted from the book of Hosea in the Bible, we journey with Gomer, a harlot lost in her sin until Hosea, a prophet of God, offers to marry her and redeem her life from darkness. Will she be faithful? Can she love him? Or will the pull of her old life be more than she can bear? Join Geri Campbell as she takes us on a journey, not only through the ugliness of sin, but through the joy of freedom and newness that only faith in God and in His Word can bring. Weaving Gomer's story with he own, we are sure of this, there is always a way back home.