Holy Prophet Hosea

Life

The son of Beeri, of the tribe of Issachar. He lived and prophesied more than eight hundred years before the birth of Christ. His divinely inspired words are found in his book, which contains fourteen chapters. He reproached Israel and Judah much for their idolatry, prophesied the punishment of God for sins, and the destruction of Samaria and Israel for their apostasy from God, but also the mercy of God toward the tribe of Judah. He prophesied the abolition and cessation of the Old Testament sacrifice, and the coming of the Lord, and the abundance of gifts which He would bring with Him to earth. He lived to a deep old age and peacefully reposed in the Lord.

From the Hymn of Praise

The far-seeing Prophet Hosea cried outAnd to the sinful people foretold calamity:"The Lord, the Lord speaks: mercy is dear to Me,But odious is the sacrifice, defiled and rotten.