Post by professorc on Oct 3, 2015 9:00:26 GMT -5
Pay attention to the CLOSE RELATIONSHIP between Hosea's own SYMBOLIC marriage actions and Yahweh's relationship with Israel/Ephraim.
1. The Historical Context (2 Kings 14:23-18:16) is influenced in large part by the downs and ups of Assyria. Hosea is ministering during the 6 kings in Samaria...rapid decline. God will USE ASSYRIA as his ROD of PUNISHMENT (10:6-7)
2. The Religious/Theological Context. Although Hosea regularly throws side-glances to Judah, His PASSION and PATHOS are for Israel. Hosea is repeatedly reminding his readers/hearers of their beginnings (2:15; 9:10; 11:1-4; 13:4)
3. If at times you find Hosea a difficult read, at least in part, may be because he so clearly WEARS HIS HEART ON HIS SLEEVE. Here is passion and pathos let loose on Israel in oracle after oracle, irony upon irony.
Watch and NOTICE the metaphors about God: lion, leopard, bear, eagle, trapper, parent, lover, husband.
Israel and her sins are even more VIVIDLY DESCRIBED.
Blessings!
Prof. C
1. The Historical Context (2 Kings 14:23-18:16) is influenced in large part by the downs and ups of Assyria. Hosea is ministering during the 6 kings in Samaria...rapid decline. God will USE ASSYRIA as his ROD of PUNISHMENT (10:6-7)
2. The Religious/Theological Context. Although Hosea regularly throws side-glances to Judah, His PASSION and PATHOS are for Israel. Hosea is repeatedly reminding his readers/hearers of their beginnings (2:15; 9:10; 11:1-4; 13:4)
3. If at times you find Hosea a difficult read, at least in part, may be because he so clearly WEARS HIS HEART ON HIS SLEEVE. Here is passion and pathos let loose on Israel in oracle after oracle, irony upon irony.
Watch and NOTICE the metaphors about God: lion, leopard, bear, eagle, trapper, parent, lover, husband.
Israel and her sins are even more VIVIDLY DESCRIBED.
Blessings!
Prof. C
