​We’ve come to the last chapter and the last verse of the book of Hosea.  We’ve covered a lot of ground, learned many lessons, and seen so many aspects of God’s character and the lengths He goes to win back a wayward heart.  Now as the book draws to a close along with our time in it, we are left with a final exhortation, a last warning, and a closing challenge.  

​Despite the darkness, terror, violence, holy anger, and just judgment in the last two chapters and despite the fact that God turned His face away from wicked Israel, He still remained faithful.  He never totally abandoned them even in their darkest and bleakest moments.  How appropriate then that in the last chapter of this powerful book, the LORD gives Israel a prophecy of hope.