If I were to describe the book of Hosea in just a few words, I guess I'd say it has a huge, graphic metaphor comparing the people of Israel with an unfaithful, harlot wife followed by lengthy poetic passages condemning Israel's sinfulness.
It's not pretty. The first three chapters, about God telling Hosea to take Gomer as his wife, even though she continues in adultery, are so graphic, it's almost hard to pay attention to the rest of the book.
Most of the rants against Israel and Judah are in colorful metaphors. I wonder if the people of the day understood what the metaphors represented. We have the same sins and transgressions in today's world: corruption in government, indifference to God, immorality among people, seeking political allies instead of trusting in God, worshiping false idols. I wonder what metaphors a godly poet/prophet might use today.
I think Hosea must have been a favorite book for New Testament writers. There are several quotations from Hosea in the New Testament:
Hosea 2:23: "I will show my love to the one I called 'Not my loved one.' I will say to those called 'Not my people,' 'You are my people'; and they will say, 'You are my God.'" (Ro. 9:25).
Hosea 6:6 " For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings" (Mt. 9:13, 12:7).
Hosea 10:8 "Then they will say to the mountains, 'Cover us!' and to the hills, 'Fall on us!" (Luke 23:30).
Hosea 11:1 "When Israel was a child I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son." (Mt. 2:15)
Hosea 13:14 "Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction?" (1 Co. 15:55.
You have to hand it to Hosea. He had a gift for imagery. The graphic imagery reverberates through the ages. If only God's people would take it to heart.
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