Name Meaning: The name "Hoshe'a" means "salvation" or "he saves" in Hebrew. It is derived from the root word "yasha," which means to deliver or save.

Biblical References:

1. Hoshe'a, Son of Nun: Although more commonly known as Joshua, Hoshe'a was the original name of the son of Nun, who served as Moses' assistant and later succeeded him as the leader of the Israelites. In Numbers 13:16, Moses changes his name from Hoshe'a to Joshua, which means "The LORD is salvation." This change signifies the divine mission Joshua would undertake in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.

2. Hoshe'a, King of Israel: Hoshe'a was the last king of the northern kingdom of Israel. He reigned from approximately 732 to 722 BC. His reign is detailed in 2 Kings 17. Hoshe'a came to power after assassinating his predecessor, Pekah, and was initially a vassal to the Assyrian king Shalmaneser V. However, he later rebelled against Assyria by seeking an alliance with Egypt, which led to the Assyrian invasion and the eventual fall of Samaria. This marked the end of the northern kingdom and the beginning of the Assyrian captivity of Israel. 2 Kings 17:6 states, "In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria."

3. Prophet Hosea: While not directly named Hoshe'a, the prophet Hosea shares a similar name and is often associated with the theme of salvation. Hosea's prophetic ministry focused on the spiritual adultery of Israel and the call to repentance. His life and message are recorded in the Book of Hosea, where he uses his own marriage as a metaphor for God's relationship with Israel.

Historical Context:

Hoshe'a's reign as king of Israel occurred during a tumultuous period marked by political instability and idolatry. The northern kingdom had experienced a series of short-lived dynasties and internal strife. The Assyrian Empire was expanding its influence, and Israel's political maneuvering ultimately led to its downfall. The fall of Samaria in 722 BC was a significant event in biblical history, resulting in the dispersion of the ten tribes of Israel.

Theological Significance:

The account of Hoshe'a, particularly as the last king of Israel, serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and idolatry. The fall of the northern kingdom is often interpreted as divine judgment for Israel's persistent sin and failure to heed the warnings of the prophets. It underscores the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of relying on political alliances rather than divine guidance.

Related Themes:

· Judgment and Exile: Hoshe'a's reign and the subsequent fall of Israel highlight the theme of divine judgment leading to exile, a recurring motif in the Old Testament.
· Salvation and Deliverance: The name Hoshe'a itself, meaning "salvation," contrasts with the king's failure to secure deliverance for his people, pointing to the need for true salvation through obedience to God.
· Prophetic Warnings: The prophets, including Hosea, consistently warned Israel of the consequences of their actions, emphasizing repentance and return to God.

Cross-References:

· Numbers 13:16 : "These were the names of the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Hoshea the son of Nun, Joshua."
· 2 Kings 17:1-6 : Details the reign of Hoshe'a and the fall of Samaria.
· Hosea 1:1 : "This is the word of the LORD that came to Hosea son of Beeri during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the reign of Jeroboam son of Jehoash king of Israel."

Further Study:

For a deeper understanding of Hoshe'a's role in biblical history, readers may explore the broader narrative of the divided kingdom, the prophetic literature addressing Israel's spiritual state, and the historical context of Assyrian expansion during the 8th century BC.Hoshe'a (11 Occurrences)

Numbers 13:8
Of the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun.
(See RSV)

Numbers 13:16
These are the names of the men that Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Hoshea the son of Nun Joshua.
(See RSV)

2 Kings 15:30
And Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, and smote him, and slew him, and reigned in his stead, in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah.
(See RSV)

2 Kings 17:1
In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah began Hoshea the son of Elah to reign in Samaria over Israel, and reigned nine years.
(See RSV)

2 Kings 17:3
Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and brought him presents.
(See RSV)

2 Kings 17:6
In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away unto Assyria, and placed them in Halah, and in Habor, on the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.
(See RSV)

2 Kings 18:1
Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign.
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2 Kings 18:9
And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria, and besieged it.
(See RSV)

2 Kings 18:10
And at the end of three years they took it; even in the sixth year of Hezekiah, which was the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel, Samaria was taken.
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1 Chronicles 27:20
of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah; of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah;
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 10:23
Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub;
(See RSV)

Hoshe'a (11 Occurrences)
Hoshe'a. Hoshea, Hoshe'a. Hospitable . Multi-Version Concordance Hoshe'a (11
Occurrences). Numbers 13:8 Of the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun. ...
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Hoshea (13 Occurrences)

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Hospitable (4 Occurrences)

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