Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 164:656 (Oct 2007)
Article: The Literary Structure Of Hosea 9–14
Author: Charles H. Silva

BSac 164:656 (October-December 2007) p. 435

The Literary Structure Of Hosea 9–14

Charles H. Silva

Charles H. Silva is Pastor, Horizon Christian Church, Branson, Missouri.

*This is the final article in a four-part series, “A Literary Analysis of the Book of Hosea.”

As noted in previous articles in this series, the Book of Hosea consists of six cycles of prophetic speeches. Cycle A is 1:2–2:1; cycle B is 2:2–23; cycle C is chapter 3; cycle D is 4:1–6:3; cycle E is 6:4–11:11; and cycle F is 11:12–14:8. Most of these oracles are messages of God’s judgment against sinful Israel. They demonstrate repeatedly that sin (both national and personal) results in divine judgment. Yet several of the speeches also include God’s promise to restore His people. A portion of cycle E was discussed in the previous article in this series.1 This article continues the discussion of cycle E and includes cycle F.

Cycle E (6:4-11:11) [Continued]: The Lord's Denunciation Of Israel's Apostate Religious Profession And Harlotrous Practices

Contents of Cycle E [Continued]

The prophetic judgment speeches in 9:1–11:7 include three oracles: 9:1–9; 9:10–10:15; and 11:1–7. In the first and third oracles Yahweh announced His judgment on faithless Israel (Ephraim)2 who had routinely spurned His covenant love to play the harlot with the Baals of Canaan. The central oracle (9:10–10:15)3 drew

BSac 164:656 (October-December 2007) p. 436

attention to three examples of Israel’s long history of idolatrous and harlotrous covenant violations against God. This series of judgment speeches concludes with a prophetic announcement of devastating judgment and return to Egypt (11:5–6).4

C. The Lord’s announcement of judgment on Israel for idolatrous Canaanite worship (9:1–9).You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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