The Strained Bonds of Divine Love: An Introduction to the Book of Hoshea

The Strained Bonds of Divine Love: An Introduction to the Book of Hoshea - Jul 14, 2026 - The book of Hoshea begins with a bizarre, seemingly antinomian command for the prophet to take (as a wife?) a whoring woman, have illicit children with her and then, when he seemingly complies, to give them wretched names. We explore this mysterious directive, along with the beautiful prophecy that follows it - and then a stranger command that completes the first unit in Hoshea - chapters 1-3. We analyze the role of the Navi and how these odd directives help the Navi - any Navi - identify with his audience as well as God, in Whose Name he speaks. This shiur was given in honor of the forthcoming marriage of our son, Yoseph Tzvi to Chaya Esther Friedman.