(Hosea 14)

This week’s questions:

1. The last chapter of Hosea’s prophecy has in it a final call to repentance. We noted earlier, in chapters seven and eight, that the people regularly attempted to take matters into their own hands by forming suspect alliances and trusting in their man-made idols. The prophet tells the people [...]

(Hosea 12 & 13)

This week’s questions:

1. Earlier we discovered that certain Jewish parents gave their children names that were indicative of their personal or social circumstances. Hosea reflected on Jacob’s birth and calls God’s people “Jacob” (12: 2). The name means “to grab the heel” or “to trick.” Read Gen 25: 19-26 [...]

(Hosea 11:1-11)

This week’s questions:

1. In this week’s passage, we get a different glimpse into the nature of God’s love for His people. Instead of matrimonial love, He now likens His relationship to Israel as a father to a son (v. 1). Considering this parental love, what do parents do for their children? [...]

Hosea 9 & 10

This week’s questions:

1. Last week we discovered how the Israelites were adamant about doing things their own way; even to their detriment. Among the vile and heinous leaders that we discovered earlier (4: 8 & 5: 1), there were presumably a few voices (i.e prophets) who were trying to remind [...]

Hosea 7-8

This week’s questions:

“They look everywhere except to heaven, to the Most High.” (Hosea 7:16 NLT)

1. Without question, ancient Israel incurred a horrendous set of consequences due to their rebellion and their refusing to acknowledge God. From Hosea’s prophecy we are able to sense some of the affliction that encumbered the people. Briefly [...]

Hosea 6: 1-11

This week’s questions:

1. Last week we determined that the Israelites were being punished because they did not ‘know’ (or rather failed to ‘acknowledge’) God. Chapter six begins with repentance (vv. 1-3). Now the people are acknowledging God in hopes that He might avert His indignation. When we speak of repenting, [...]

Hosea 4:1 – 5:15

This week’s questions:

1. In chapter four, Hosea uses a specific word to declare that the Israelites did not ‘know’ God (4: 1, 6). In this instance, however, this word does not mean that the people were ignorant or otherwise unaware of Him. The prophet is trying to explain that the [...]

Hosea 2:14 – 3:5

This week’s questions:

1.  Ancient Israel had a long legacy of falling in and out of fidelity with God.  The Scriptures depict a certain cycle of sin, punishment, repentance, and mercy.  This is most clearly illustrated in the book of the Judges (see 3: 7 – 16 & 10: 6 – 16).  During the monarchial years, [...]

This week’s questions:

According to Hosea, God will punish the Israelites for what King Jehu did at Jezreel (1: 4).  For a historical context, read 2 Kings 9 and 10 to see what happened there. 

Note: Some scholars wonder why a punishment is warranted because the bloodshed at Jezreel was apparently sanctioned by God (see 9: 6-10 & 10: [...]

Don’t Forget the Core Values!
(Hebrews 13)

This week’s questions:

1. In this week’s passage there is a particular emphasis on Christian love and service. The writer says that we are to “remember/not forget” the plight of certain people (vv 2, 3, 7, 16). Consider your particular spiritual gifts and Peace Fellowship’s core values and think [...]