Divine love in Hosea 11

Abstract

This dissertation investigates a theological understanding of divine love in Hosea 11. The first focal point of this research is to explore the theological understanding of divine love in Hosea 11, focusing on the interpretation of the parental metaphor. The second focal point of this research is to understand divine love in chapter 11 as a lens through which view divine love in the entire book of Hosea. The first chapter introduces general information for this study, including the purpose of this research, background and methodology.

The second chapter examines the general meaning and usage of divine love, Ahav and H[dotbelow]esed, in the book of Hosea and the major metaphors (the marriage metaphor and the parental metaphor) that express divine love in it.

The third chapter deals with an exegetical analysis of Hosea 11. The investigation focuses on divine love from the historical retrospect of Yahweh's love to the present threat of punishment, and into a future hope for the restoration of Yahweh's people. The theological implications involved in Hosea 11 focuses on divine suffering love and divine election. The concluding chapter attempts to understand the divine love in Hosea 11 as a key to understanding the book of Hosea.

The divine love expressed in Hosea 11 covers the core of Hosea's theology in his prophetic message. Yahweh justifies his love with the statement: "I am God no human, the Holy One in your midst." This is the essential for God's love in the divine holiness. This power of love emanating from the holiness of God embraces the sinful people. In divine love forgiveness yields reconciliation, which creates a new relationship between God and Israel and between human relationships in the covenant community. This power of divine love opens the eyes of the people to see God's acts, opens their ears to listen to God's words, and opens their hearts to bear this love toward others. There is hope where this love lives.