Why Hosea?

Hosea

I have always been intrigued by the book of Hosea. The idea of God telling one of his prophets to marry a prostitute seems to really go against everything one would think about God. But perhaps that is part of the reason He did it. Things needed to be shaken up! I a world where someone like Paul would not be hired by most churches, God seems to constantly use such people to accomplish His purposes.

According to Bible.org, "The Book of Hosea portrays the dangers of the observance of religious ceremony without genuine devotion and commitment to the Lord." (Here) I think that that is a constant danger for believers, and worthy of pursuit and understanding.