Oséias 1:1-5

1, 2a. Title intended as a heading for the whole book. On its probable original form, its accord with internal evidence, etc., see pp. 15ff.

Word As in Isaiah 2:1 (compare “vision,” Isaiah 1:1), denotes the substance of the divine revelation, whatever the manner in which it was received (see pp. 14f.).

Jehovah Thus the A.R.V. reproduces throughout the entire Old Testament the name of God rendered in A.V. LORD).

Beeri Introduction, p. 10.

The beginning of the word of Jehovah by Hosea R.V., “When Jehovah spake at the first by Hosea.” A.V. is more satisfactory, and is supported by the ancient versions. The words are a new heading, perhaps by Hosea himself, for part of the book; not chapters 1-3 (Cheyne), but chapters 1, 2. To “beginning” corresponds “ again” in Hosea 3:1.

By Better, R.V. margin, “with” (Zechariah 1:9; Numbers 12:2). In what sense this was the beginning of Hosea’s prophetic activity, see Introduction, pp. 15f. The narrative for such is chapter 1 begins with Jehovah said to Hosea; it closes with Hosea 1:9, in Hebrew the end of chapter 1.