In the previous two posts, I argued two things: (1) It makes sense to understand the two instances of יוֹנָה in Hosea with reference to the story of Jonah and (2) reading יוֹנָה as a reference to Jonah enhances one’s reading of both Hosea and the book of Jonah.

One final supporting point here: There are other places in Hosea where the author moves seamlessly from (a) descriptions of Israel/Judah to (b) reflections on individual people in Israel’s story and then back to (c) descriptions of Israel/Judah.

In Hosea 12:3/2, the prophet states that Yahweh has a contention with Israel/Judah and moves seamlessly to a description of episodes in Jacob’s life:

Yahweh has an issue with Judah and intends to visit Jacob according to their ways; according to their deeds he will pay them back. In the womb, he grabbed the heel of his brother, and with his strength he wrestled with God. He wrestled with a messenger, and he overcame. He wept, and he sought his favor. He would find him, and he would speak with us.

Again, in Hosea 12:13/12:

Jacob fled to the land of Aram. There Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he served as a guard.

He continues with a description of Moses (Hosea 12:14–13):

By a prophet Yahweh brought up Israel from Egypt, and by a prophet he was guarded. Ephraim caused bitter problems, and he will leave his bloodshed upon him; his Lord will pay him back for his shameful actions.

What’s the point? If Hosea can move seamlessly from speaking about Israel/Judah to referencing Jacob and Moses, then it is plausible that he might make mention of Jonah’s story as an analogy, too.

This is the third part of a three post series: Part 1 & Part 2.