Hosea 5


‘His anger is that of love, not hate’
Derek Kidner, The message of Hosea, 1976

Opening question

  • Share with the group a positive relationship experience you had with your child/ren or one you had with your own dad that you remember.

Study

Read Hosea 5:1–7.

  1. Where in the passage can you see elements of religion not relationship?
  2. Why does Hosea call Israel a harlot/prostitute/adulterer?
Read James 4:4–7 and 2 Timothy 3:1–5.
  1. What does it mean to be a “friend of the world” in our current generation?
  2. The Bible indicates that there are true believers, those who have an appearance of belief, as well as those who are upfront about denying faith. How do Paul and James help us know how to deal with the different types of people? Discuss.
  3. When have you felt about others the way God "yearns and is jealous" after us? 
Read Hosea 5:8–14.
  1. Is God's love incompatible with the idea of his wrath? Explain.
  2. Imagine someone said to you: “How can you believe in a God who is so angry and judgemental”. How would you answer them?
  3. Who can you be praying for as a group?

Artwork © Alison Gilmour


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