HOSEA 11
Bible Study Notes Rev. Betsy Perkins
A Father’s Love
- What could you point to as evidence of your love for your children?
God’s Love for Young Israel (11:1-4):
- What does God point to as evidence of His love for the people of Israel?
“God sent Joseph ahead into Egypt to prepare the way for Jacob and his sons. What Joseph’s brothers did to Joseph was meant for evil, but God used it for God (Gen.50:20). Because of Joseph, the people of Israel were kept alive during the severe famine and were able to multiply in the ensuing hears. From this humble beginning, God formed a nation; Moses led that nation out of Egypt in great power and triumph (Ex.12-15). Hosea pictures the God of the exodus as a tender Father who freed His son from bondage.” ~ Warren Wiersbe
- After all God that did for Israel, how have the people responded?
Like spoiled children, they rebelled against their Father and turned to idols. God spoke to them through His prophets, but the more God called to Israel, the more they strayed from Him! They were happy to enjoy His gifts, but they didn’t want to obey the Giver.” ~ Warren Wiersbe
- How have you felt when your children were ungrateful for your care? What did you do?
- Take a few moments to recall how God has shown Fatherly love for you over your lifetime. When did God ‘teach you how to walk’ or ‘take you by the arms’? Express your gratitude to God!
Patience in Teen Rebellion (11:5-7):
- How have the people of Israel resisted God’s authority?
- What will be the consequences of Israel’s rebellious ways?
“On more than one occasion, God could have destroyed the nation and started over again (Ex.32:10), but He chose to be long-suffering. When the journey became difficult, the Jews wanted to go back to Egypt; they complained when they should have been praying and giving thanks for God’s mercies. …The only time they called on God was when they were in trouble, and God graciously helped them; but now the end has come.” ~ Warren Wiersbe
- Read Deuteronomy 21:18-21. What does the Law of Moses direct parents of a rebellious child to do? Why would God have commanded that? Is it right?
Hope for Reconciliation (11:8-11):
- What are the emotions that God expresses in these verses? Are they appropriate feelings?
- What motivates God to spare Israel from the punishment for rebelliousness that it deserves?
“God’s covenant with Abraham (Gen.12:1-3) is unconditional and will not change; therefore, the nation of Israel is preserved. But His covenant with Israel at Sinai had conditions attached, and if the people failed to meet those conditions, God was obliged to withdraw His blessings. Israel’s possession of the land and its blessings is based on the Abrahamic covenant, but their enjoyment of the land and its blessings is based on the Mosaic covenant. God was faithful to both covenants: He preserved the nation, but He disciplined them for their sins.” ~ Warren Wiersbe
- How do love and compassion put limits how harshly a parent disciplines a child?
- What does this picture of God wrestling with both anger and love teach us about what God did for all His children through Jesus?
- What does this picture of God wrestling with both anger and love teach us about how we should respond to the failures of our family members?
- What does God’s roar signal in verse 10? How will Israel respond?
“In the past, God roared like a lion when he judged the nation (5:14; 13:7), but in the future, His ‘roar’ will call His people to come back to their land. Like birds turned loose from their cages, the people of Israel will swiftly fly to their own land, and God will ‘settle them in their homes.’” ~ Warren Wiersbe
In light of this passage and our discussion, what one truth about God and about yourself stand out as something to “take to heart” this week?
Are there steps you will take, by God’s grace, to more fully apply it to your life?
Resources: NIV Zondervan Study Bible, 2015
J. Gordon McConville, Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Prophets, Volume 4, 2002
Warren W. Wiersbe, BE Amazed: Restoring an Attitude of Wonder and Worship, 2010
Tim Mackie, The Bible Project, How to Read Hosea (RightNowMedia)
Add Your Comment