The study is broken up into four weekly sections. The individual weeks are not broken out by
day, so you can work through each section as you are able to over the course of
the week.
Historical Context
We sometimes think of the Old Testament as just a historical account and not as relevant to our lives under the new, New Testament covenant. But the Old Testament is powerful in its messages about the relationship God wants us to have with him and it also helps us understand the necessity of Jesus as our savior. Hosea is a book depicting the relationship God desires for us and helps us become aware of ways in which we can stumble. It is a book of God’s desire for redemption.
Meet Hosea
Prophets were called to speak for God and deliver God’s messages to the people of Israel and Judah in the form of speeches, sermons, visions and/or life experiences. Hosea was a prophet in the Northern Kingdom (Israel). The name Hosea means “salvation”. Hosea began his ministry when Israel, under Jeroboam II, was at the height of their power and continued through periods of Israel’s political and spiritual weakness.
Hosea1: Hosea's Wife & Children
Hosea 1:1 sets the timeframe, which we discussed in the previous section. Let’s jump into the story and read Hosea 1:2.
Hosea 2: Charges Against an Unfaithful Wife & the Lord's Love for Unfaithful Israel
Chapter 2 of Hosea digs a little deeper into Israel/Gomer’s problem, and it isn’t pretty. Let’s read Hosea 2:1-5.
Hosea 3: Hosea's Wife is Redeemed
Chapter 3 -- the last chapter of our study this week -- is really short, so let’s go ahead and read all of it (Hosea 3:1-5).
Hosea was going to get his girl back. To do so, he had to buy her back.
Hosea was going to get his girl back. To do so, he had to buy her back.
Hosea 4: The Lord's Case Against Israel
In the first
three chapters we see Hosea’s relationship with Gomer. The good, the bad, the ugly and the
redemption. In the remainder of Hosea we
will see God’s application of the message.
Let’s enter the courtroom and read Hosea 4:1-9.
Let’s enter the courtroom and read Hosea 4:1-9.
Hosea 5: The Failure of Israel's Leaders
Still in
the courtroom, chapter 5 takes us to the judgment. Let’s read the
entire chapter, Hosea 5:1-15.
The message is for everyone…the priests, the people (Israelites), the royal house.
The message is for everyone…the priests, the people (Israelites), the royal house.
Hosea 6: A Call to Repentance
I know this
is hard! It is a difficult thing to keep
revisiting the same cycles. In our heads
we may want to scream, “I GET IT!” But
God knows it isn’t that easy. He has
seen it play out time and time again, and really we are no different than the
Israelites. Different century, same
stuff. He loves us enough to reinforce
the message….often. To bring us to a
point of wanting to learn the lesson early, rather than later. Oh God, let us have ears to hear and eyes to
see.
Hosea 7: Israel's Love for Wickedness
Let’s jump
right in to Hosea 7:1-16. It is almost
too much to bear, isn’t it?! Let’s focus
on a few verses that show what God wants to do, but Israel (we) get in the way.
Hosea 8: Israel Hravests the Whirlwind
Let’s go ahead and read the chapter (Hosea 8:1-14) and we’ll focus on a verse or two.
More pending disaster for Israel. It is like God is saying, 1…2….2-1/2….2-3/4….trying to give them every opportunity to do the right thing and turn back to Him.
Hosea 9: Hosea Announces Israel's Punishment
Last week was a hard week. I’m not going to lie…this week is pretty rough as well. However, not one word in God’s inspired message to us is unnecessary. God knows exactly what we need to hear. Chapter 9 moves into the verdict as Hosea announces Israel’s punishment. Read all of chapter 9 (Hosea 9:1-17).
Hosea 10: The Lord's Judgment Against Israel
Clearly God
wants to make sure Israel (and us) get the point. The repletion of sin, judgment and impending
punishment have a purpose. Read all of
chapter 10 (Hosea 10: 1-15).
Hosea 11: The Lord's Love for Israel
I have to admit, I at least like the header for chapter 11 (The Lord’s Love for Israel). Let’s see what it says. Read Hosea 11:1-11 (we’ll read verse 12 with the next chapter).
We see God’s patience and love, even in times of betrayal by His people. This doesn’t mean punishment won’t come, but it shows how much it pains God to do so.
We see God’s patience and love, even in times of betrayal by His people. This doesn’t mean punishment won’t come, but it shows how much it pains God to do so.
Hosea 12: Charges Against Israel & Judah
Read the last verse in chapter 11 and all of chapter 12 (Hosea 11:12-12:14). As we recapped at the beginning of the study, Jacob was one of the early fathers of Israel.
Hosea 13: The Lord's Anger Against Israel
We’ll close out this week by reading chapter 13. I know it may be feeling like this is getting old, but there is promise of healing coming in chapter 14 and God doesn’t let any words go to waste. They all have a purpose. Read Hosea 13:1-16.
Hosea 14: Healing for the Repentant
We made it! Not only is it the last chapter and we have almost completed the entire book of Hosea, but it is also the promise of hope and redemption. Take in Hosea 14:1-9.
Study Recap
Wow! We did it. We made it through Hosea and I hope you feel like you have learned and have grown in “knowledge and understanding” as I feel I have. Let’s recap what we have learned over the course of the study. Let us make this something we reflect on regularly to not forget.
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