The Old Testament concludes with the twelve minor prophets. It's best to read them all together, like twelve chapters of one book.

The book of Hosea compares God's love for His people to marrying a harlot. We commit adultery by compromising with the world. The Lord will take us back, if we only repent.

Key word    MARRIAGE
 
Key verse    "I will heal their defection, I will love them freely; for My wrath is turned away from them." —14:5
 
Command verse    "Return, O Israel, to the Lord, your God; you have collapsed through your guilt." —14:2
 
Promise verse    "I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like one who raises an infant to his cheeks. Yet, though I stooped to feed My child, they did not know that I was their Healer." —11:4
 
Difficult verse    "Shall I deliver them from the power of the nether world? Shall I redeem them from death? Where are your plagues, O death! Where is your sting, O nether world! My eyes are closed to compassion." —13:14
 
Surprise verse    "He will revive us after two days; on the third day He will raise us up, to live in His presence." —6:2
 
Prayer: Jesus, the Bridegroom (Mk 2:19), may I never lose my first love for You (see Rv 2:4).