Hosea

Hosea’s message is to both Israel and Judah. As the house of Ahab had been judged in Jezreel (2 Kings 10:11), so would Israel be judged (Hos. 1:4). Israel’s judgment would be final; they would not obtain mercy (Lo-ruhamah; Hos. 1:6).
Mercy was withheld from Israel, but the judgment of Judah would bring the whole nation under a worse sentence: “Then said God, Call his name Lo-ammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God” (Hosea 1:9).
Today Israel is without king or prince, sacrifice or priest; but neither is she idolatrous (Hos. 3:4). Although not presently owned of God, she will be restored (Rom. 11:1). She will learn to call Jehovah “My Husband” and no longer “My Lord” (Hos. 2:16, marginal reading).
The children of Israel will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king (Hos. 3:5). In chapter 2 a remnant—Ammi (My people) and Ruhamah (having obtained mercy)—is distinguished from their mother, a harlot from the beginning (Hos. 1:2).
In chapters 4-12, the moral corruption of the nation is exposed as Hosea appeals to the conscience of the people. The book closes with words they were to take to Jehovah (Hos. 14:2), who would respond in mercy (Hos. 14:4-8). “Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein” (Hosea 14:9).