Evaluation
Overall Score: 8.0/10
A pastor-friendly, gospel-aware commentary on Hosea that helps the church respond in repentance and hope.
Summary
At a Glance
- Length
- 144 pages
- Type
- Application, Expository (Mid-Level)
- Theo. Perspective
- Broadly Evangelical
- Overall score
- 8 / 10
- Strength
- Faithful exposition of Hosea’s painful prophecy paired with compassionate, covenantal application.
- Limitation
- Not designed for technical, original-language exegesis or deep critical engagement.
In The Message of Hosea by Derek Kidner (IVP, 2024 revised edition; 144 pages; ISBN 978-1789744330) we meet a gentle yet unflinching journey through one of the Old Testament’s most emotionally raw prophetic books. Kidner treats the painful metaphor of unfaithful Israel, depicted through Hosea’s marriage to Gomer, with sensitivity and theological honesty. He refuses to soften the bitterness of Israel’s betrayal, but refuses also to close our eyes to the tenderness of God’s covenant love chasing a wayward people. The result is a portrait of divine love that confronts sin and welcomes repentance, with a hopeful eye on restoration and faithful covenant life.
Kidner’s commentary leads readers carefully through the historical context, the symbolic acts, and the prophetic indictments. He pays attention neither to abstruse speculation nor to shallow moralising. Instead he seeks to help the preacher understand how Hosea’s message would have struck Israel then — and how it speaks to the church and to believers suffering under guilt, idolatry or lukewarm faith. The commentary shows both the judgement of God against sin and the persistent grace of God toward repentant hearts.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
This volume is an excellent tool for any pastor or Bible-teacher preparing to preach or teach Hosea. Its strength lies in marrying scholarly awareness with pastoral concern. In the pulpit or small group, you will value how Kidner neither hides the hardness of God’s holiness nor neglects the sweetness of God’s mercy. The book helps you navigate the tensions — sin and judgement, faithlessness and love — and points you and your congregation toward gospel-shaped repentance and hope.
For a busy pastor this commentary is particularly helpful because it is concise yet substantial. At 144 pages it is compact enough to read through in a reasonable time, yet rich enough to inform sermons, sermon series or teaching outlines. Kidner does not assume deep knowledge of Hebrew or require technical background. His focus is on faithful exposition and real-life application. The commentary invites you to feel the pain of Israel’s sin, but to rest in God’s steadfast compassion and redemptive purposes.
Moreover, Kidner’s evangelical convictions and pastoral heart align well with a Reformed commitment to God’s sovereignty, covenant faithfulness and grace. While he does not press Reformed systematic categories, his overall trust in Scripture’s integrity and the seriousness of sin and judgment make him a broadly reliable ally for a pastor seeking gospel-centred preaching rooted in the Old Testament.
Closing Recommendation
We recommend The Message of Hosea by Derek Kidner as a highly valuable resource for pastors, small-group leaders, and Bible-teachers. It combines theological integrity, pastoral sensitivity and biblical fidelity in a way that brings Hosea’s painful yet hopeful message into the life of the church today. For preachers wanting to lead God’s people through sin, judgement, repentance and covenant renewal, this book is a wise first companion.
Classification
- Level: Mid-level
- Best For: Busy pastors, Lay readers / small groups, Pastors-in-training
- Priority: Strong recommendation