Interpretive conventions
This book is the longest among the Twelve. This book can be divided into two parts. The first part is from chapter 1-3. This part is an introduction of the book and it deals with the personal life of Hosea including his marriage and children, and how he prophesied to Israel. The second part is the rest of the book of Hosea. It is a collection of Him prophesying to people. This section also can be divided into two parts. Ch. 4-10 God’s controversy with His people and Ch. 11-14 is showing that His love is still loyal to Israelites.
2. Historical/cultural Context
Hosea was prophesying in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His date was about the last 40 years of the Northern Kingdom. The Kingdom was under the reign of Jeroboam II. It was called the golden age, because the reign of Jeroboam II was at its peak. The time was also had a problem with cults. The worship of Yahweh was contaminated by worshipping the god of Canaanites, the Baal.
3. Theological themes and messages
The love of God to His people is unquenchable. There is a string that cannot be cut by anything, even though Israel became disobedient and lustful in His eyes. He also shows His people that despite of their sinfulness and rebellion against Him, He is willing to forgive and restore His people from their …show more content…
Interpretive Conventions
This book starts with giving its title at the very first verse of the first chapter of the book. This book consists of two main parts. The first is 1:1-2:32. Chapter I talks about the great response from God to His people by a terrible plague of locusts. Then later it describes the movement of troops in Chapter 2. There Israel had a chance to repent. If this happened, God could restore the land. Second part of the book talks about the judgment of the countries which made Judah hurt and gave harm to them. Also, it mentions that the Lord is a strong fortress and refuge for His people.
2. Historical/Cultural Context
There is no indication about a king in this book, so it is hard to know who ruled the kingdom. There were some debates about it, but most now are inclined to place it between 500 and 350BCE. It could also mean that there might be a chance that the book came after Jerusalem had destructed, when technically there were no kings. There might be a chance that the priests were the leaders of the communities. His words were to the Judah and Jerusalem, not the Northern part of