Outline of Hosea I. The introduction to the prophecy 1:1 II. The messenger of the prophecy 1:2-3:5 A. His marriage to Gomer 1:2-3a B. His children by Gomer 1:3b-11 C. His contention: problem with Gomer 2:1-23 D. His care for Gomer 3:1-5 III. The messages of the prophecy 4:1-14:8 A. Concerning Israel's reprobation 4:1-7:16 B. Concerning Israel's retribution 8:1-13:16 C. Concerning Israel's restoration 14:1-8 IV. The conclusion of the prophecy 14:9