Hosea

An Israelite Prophet In Judean Perspective

Grace I. Emmerson

Journal for the Study of the Old Testament

Supplement Series 28

To E.I.J. Rosenthal

my former teacher

in gratitude and affection.

היום קצד והמלאכה מדבה

… והשכד הדבה

Pirke Aboth II 15

Copyright © 1984 JSOT Press

Published by

JSOT Press

Department of Biblical Studies

The University of Sheffield

Sheffield S10 2TN

England

Emmerson, Grace I.

Hosea.—(Journal for the study of the Old Testament supplement series, ISSN 0309-0787; v. 28)

I. Bible. O.T. Hosea—Commentaries

I. Title II. Series

224′.6′06 BS1565.3

ISBN 0-905774-68-X

ISBN 0-905774-69-8 Pbk

Contents

Preface

Abbreviations

Introduction

chapter I salvation sayings

2:16–17

2:18–25

2:18

2:21–22

2:25

2:20

2:23–24

11:8–11

14:5–9

chapter II judah and the davidic monarchy

12:3

5:5

5:10–14

6:4

8:14

4:15

10:11

6:11

1:7

2:2

Excursus: Hosea’s attitude to reunion

3:5

Excursus: Hosea’s attitude to monarchy

12:1

chapter III israelite worship: its sanctuaries and cult practices

Sanctuaries

i. Passing References

ii. Bethel

iii. Gilgal

The Offering of Sacrifices

13:2

14:3

chapter IV conclusion

Bibliography

indexes Biblical References

Authors

Preface

There comes a time when accepted views need to be challenged and discussion reopened. This modest work, submitted in 1982 to the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne for the degree of Ph.D., has for its aim a re-examination of Judean elements in the book of Hosea, in three areas: expressions of future hope, references to Judah and the Davidic monarchy, and attitudes to the cult and sanctuaries of the northern kingdom. I have tried to listen afresh to the ancient text. The result has often surprised me, and my earlier opinions have had to be revised. But of this I am certain, that through the processes of critical enquiry one’s own theological insights have been deepened. This text which has stood the test of centuries still makes an impact.

The major commentary on Hosea by F.I. Andersen and D.N. Freedman unfortunately appeared too late to be taken account of in the body of the work, though some reference to it will be found in the notes. Despite considerable disagreement on many points of exegesis, they too find in Hosea’s message itself, not merely in its Judean redaction, hope as well as judgement: ‘God’s will to punish and his will to pardon do not neutralize each other. Rather they are expressed together in the strongest terms … we reach the limits of language for talking about the goodness and severity of God’ (p. 51). However, on the question of the relationship of repentance to forgiveness, although agreeing that Hosea affirms ‘the prevenient and countervailing grace of God, whose purpose for his people could not and would not be finally thwarted’ (p. 48), they do not address themselves to the possibility that material of Judean origin has introduced a different emphasis by its stress on prior repentance.

Although I share their view that Hosea’s interest extended beyond his own nation to Judah, I ...