In this Sleepy Scriptures One-Year Bible episode, we read the complete books of Hosea and Joel from the King James Version.
Through Hosea’s difficult personal calling, the Lord portrays Israel’s unfaithfulness and His own steadfast covenant love. Though His people repeatedly turn away, God continues to call them home, promising healing and restoration: “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely.”
Then, in the book of Joel, a devastating plague of locusts becomes the setting for an urgent call to repentance and a prophetic vision of the day of the Lord. Yet judgment is accompanied by mercy. “Rend your heart, and not your garments,” Joel declares, for the Lord is gracious and merciful. God promises to restore the years that have been lost and to pour out His Spirit upon all flesh.
Settle in with gentle narration, soothing music, and peaceful visuals as Hosea and Joel lead us through unfaithfulness and sorrow toward repentance, restoration, divine compassion, and the enduring hope found in returning to the Lord.
Highlighted Verses
Hosea 2:19
“And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.”
Hosea 4:6
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
Hosea 6:1
“Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us.”
Hosea 6:6
“For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”
Hosea 10:12
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD.”
Hosea 11:4
“I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love.”
Hosea 14:4
“I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.”
Joel 2:12
“Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.”
Joel 2:13
“Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful.”
Joel 2:25
“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten.”
Joel 2:28
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh.”
Joel 2:32
“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered.”
Joel 3:16
“But the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.”
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