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.

About the Author

Mathew Bartlett has served in full-time Christian ministry for 17 years, serving as a senior pastor for 10 of those years. Although his early academic career was in Physics, he later took an MA in Biblical Studies at Chester University, where he obtained distinction. He is currently working towards his PhD in Biblical Studies.

Mathew Bartlett has served in full-time Christian ministry for 17 years, serving as a senior pastor for 10 of those years. Although his early academic career was in Physics, he later took an MA in Biblical Studies at Chester University, where he obtained distinction. He is currently working towards his PhD in Biblical Studies.

Chapter 1:1-11 An Unhappy Marriage Introduction and Summary Hosea's Wife and Children Chapter 2:1-23 Marital Problems Spiritual Adultery The Restoration of Israel: God's Dealings with People The Blessings Enjoyed by Believers: A Taste of Things to Come Chapter 3:1-5 God's Love for the Undeserving Discipline and Restoration for the Erring Nation Chapter 4:1-19 God Goes to Court The Legal Case Against Israel Three Sins of Omission Their Sins of Commission The Failure of the Priesthood Turning from God to Follow Demons A Warning Against Compromise Israel Provides an Illustration of Apostasy Chapter 5:1-19 Ensnaring the Nation Ensnaring the Nation Spiritual Bondage Too Late! Sound The Alarm! Destruction of a Nation: but a Remnant Will Return Chapter 6:1-11 A Song of Repentance A Song of Repentance Superficial or True Devotion? Wickedness in the Land Chapter 7:1-16 Spiritual Healing God's Way for Spiritual Healing The Rule of Anarchy Unfaithfulness to God was the Cause of Israel's Weakness Chapter 8:1-14 God's Word Despised Reaping the Consequences A Backslidden People Chapter 9:1-17 Israel's Punishment The Loss of Material Blessings The Loss of Spiritual Blessings The Loss of Children Chapter 10:1-15 Impending Doom Prosperity Led to Apostasy Only One Remedy Chapter 11:1-12:1 Israel's Unfaithfulness God's Unchanging Love Israel's Slavery Israel's Future Restoration the Result of God's Love Chapter 12:1-14 Feeding on the Wind Chapter 13:1-16 No Deliverance Israel's Pride led to its Destruction No Deliverance from Death Chapter 14:1-9 The Promise of Future Hope