God Continues His Condemnation of Israel (Hosea 4:15-19)

15 “Though you, Israel, commit adultery, do not let Judah become guilty. “Do not go to Gilgal; do not go up to Beth Aven. And do not swear, ‘As surely as the Lord lives!’ 16 The Israelites are stubborn, like a stubborn heifer. How then can the Lord pasture them like lambs in a meadow? 17 Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him

Historical Background to the Book of Hosea

The prophet Hosea lived in the north kingdom of Israel at the time of Jeroboam II (793-753 BC) and after. He probably began prophesying around 760 BC. His oracles predicted the destruction and exile of his nation. At the time, Israel was prosperous and, since things seemed to be going well, people were little inclined

King Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:1-8)

In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, Hezekiah son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. 2 He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. 3 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had

Jehoram of Judah (2 Kings 8:16-24)

16 In the fifth year of Joram son of Ahab king of Israel, when Jehoshaphat was king of Judah, Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat began his reign as king of Judah. 17 He was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. 18 He followed the ways of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab