Hosea

The Prophecy of Osee, also called Hosea

Hosea, or Osee, whose name signifies A Saviour, was the first in the order of time among those who are commonly called lesser prophets, because their prophecies are short. He prophesied in the kingdom of Israel, that is, of the ten tribes, about the same time that Isaiah prophesied in the kingdom of Juda. (For more information, see the article OSEE in the Catholic Encyclopedia.)

Chapter 1. By marrying a harlot, and by the names of his children, the prophet sets forth the crimes of Israel and their punishment. He foretells their redemption by Christ.
Chapter 2. Israel is justly punished for leaving God. The abundance of grace in the church of Christ.
Chapter 3. The prophet is commanded again to love an adulteress; to signify God's love to the synagogue. The wretched state of the Jews for a long time, till at last they shall be converted.
Chapter 4. God's judgment against the sins of Israel: Juda is warned not to follow their example.
Chapter 5. God's threats against the priests, the people, and princes of Israel, for their idolatry.
Chapter 6. Affliction shall be a means to bring many to Christ, a complaint of the untowardness of the Jews. God loves mercy more than sacrifice.
Chapter 7. The manifold sins of Israel, and of their kings, hinder the Lord from healing them.
Chapter 8. The Israelites are threatened with destruction for their impiety and idolatry.
Chapter 9. The distress and captivity of Israel for their sins and idolatry.
Chapter 10. After many benefits, great affliction shall fall upon the ten tribes, for their ingratitude to God.
Chapter 11. God proceeds in threatening Israel for their ingratitude: yet he will not utterly destroy them.
Chapter 12. Israel is reproved for sin. God's favours to them.
Chapter 13. The judgments of God upon Israel for their sins. Christ shall one day redeem them.
Chapter 14. Samaria shall be destroyed. An exhortation to repentance: God's favour through Christ to the penitent.