><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Hosea) CHAPTER 1&3 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Hosea's life story is outlined in these two cbapters. I What evidence do you find (a) that at the time of his marriage Hosea was already conscious of his prophetic calling, and did all things, including his marriage, with his eyes upon the Lord; (b) that he was not aware, when he married Gomer, that she would prove unfaithful; and (c) that on looking back later upon the whole matter, he recognized that God had brought him through this bitter experience in order that he might understand what Israel's unfaithfulness meant to God? What ought we to learn from such a record? Cf Gn.50:20. 2 Gomer, having proved unfaithful, appears to have forsaken Hosea and sunk to tile position of a slave. Hosea, loving her stlll, redeemed her, but placed her for a time under discipline. How does the prophet use this to illustrate God's love and Israel's future? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Hosea) Chapter 1&3 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) It seems that Hosea was obeying God's call with his eyes open. He was aware that he would marry an unfaithful wife, in order to be an accurate representation of Israel and God's relationship. Perhaps he did not know all the specifics or the extent of pain it would cause, but it seemed clear (v.2). It is an indicator that adversity does not equal a removal of God's blessings on an individual. In this case, it was to rebuke and to glorify Himself. (2) Likewise, the Lord would cause Israel to go into exile, but would ultimately be restored. V5. "Afterwards the Israelites will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the Lord and to his blessings in the last days." It would be better to come in loving obedience, and we can take a lesson from this. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Hosea Chapter 1 and 3 Hosea's wife and Children "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God. Exodus 20: 2-5a. The book of Hosea is a story of one-sided love and faithfulness that represents the relationship between Israel and God. As Gomer is married to Hosea, so Israel is betrothed to God. Both relationships gradually disintegrate - Gomer runs after other men, and Israel runs after other gods. Israel's spiritual idolatry is illustrated by Gomer's physical adultery. The development of the book can be traced in two parts: the adulterous wife and faithful husband (chapters 1-3), and the adulterous Israel and faithful Lord (chapters 4-14). Hosea's message reflects the terrible fascination of Israel with Baal worship. Baal means "husband" or "Lord", and his worship involved fertility rites that included ritual prostitution. Baal was the other lover to which the unfaithful Israel often turned. Hosea provides one of the Old Testament's most eloquent expressions of God's mercy. It is embodied in the Hebrew word hesed, variously rendered "mercy," "loving kindness," or "steadfast love." It involves loving loyalty to covenant commitments, well illustrated by the marriage vow. But from Hosea's perspective, God's faithful love would not permit Him to easily divorce His people. [Bible Maps & Charts] Messages in the Names of Three Children about the Consequences of Sins JEZREEL meaning "God scatters", refer to I Kings 21:1-16 for the background history; LO-RUHA-MAH meant "no more mercy" (upon Israel, the northern kingdom, whose people were constantly committing spiritual fornication and adultery against Jehovah); L0-AMMI means "not mine." In chapter 3, Hosea takes his unfaithful wife back and tests her fidelity. The symbol explained - "Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king. They will come trmbling to the Lord and to his blessings in the last days." 3:5. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- Hosea is another Northern Kingdom of Israel prophet. He is a contemporary of Amos and follows Amos' prophecy. He prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah(good King). 1) From verse 2 in chp1, we see that God first spoke THROUGH(i.e. prophecy) Hosea and told him to marry Gomer. This indicates an already established speaking TO relationship with the prophet. The unawaredness of Hosea may be indicated in the phrase wife of harlotry, possibly indicating that Gomer would BECOME unfaithful. Chapter 3's redemption of Gomer indicates Hosea's understanding that God's hand and plan was being carried out. The Redeemer always acts in behalf of God. Joseph's statement to his brothers who betrayed him forsook him. This probably captures Hosea's feelings toward Gomer and his understanding of God's preordained plan. 20 "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. 2) The exile of Gomer after redemption indicates the exile of Israel as a nation. That they would be exiled, but then brought back to fellowship with the Redeemer(GOD) There are many parallels in this book. Hosea Gomer God Israel Christ The Church We too as the body of Christ need redemption from our sin. Sometimes even the sin of unfaithfulness to Christ, but more our initial condition as sinners needing Christ's redeeming grace. As in this story along with all redemption models(another example is Ruth 4[preached by my pastor at Covenant Pres. Church Phil Smuland] and Boaz's redemption of Ruth to be his wife) the Redeemer is the only one mentioned, the Redeemed(Gomer in this case, is not even mentioned by name in Chp3). It is solely the Redeemer who plays a role in the redemption. Just as Christ is the only player in our redemption. It is nothing we have done, but by His Grace alone! The following is a song by a Contemporary Christian group called Third Day based on Hosea. Gomer's Theme Artist: Third Day Album: Conspiracy No. 5 Copyright 1997 New Spring publishing ( A div. of Brentwood-Benson music publishing)words by Mac Powell Music by third day Intro: In this place, saw her face, he was more than happier Made for Him, It's a sin, that she was not faithful Verse #1: She couldn't be, foolishly, more unfaithful if she tried He did not care, wanted her, despite lies and wandering eyes Pre-Chorus: He deserves the very best But he loves her none the less Chorus: She's forgotten her first love He's forgotten that she ever went away, and broke his heart. Verse #2: Lavished on, silver, gold, anything she needed Wasted thoughts, broken hearts, Love was not acknowledged. Bridge: God only knows, That he has shown, her more love than she deserves There will come a time, when she will find; that he's not there to give Her love and he'll be gone away from her forever ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Hosea) CHAPTER 2 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 The adulterer seeks satisfaction in unlawful relationships; the harlot debases high possessions for material gain. How does Hosea show that this is what Israel has done in relation to the Lord Himself? 2 What promise is given in verses 14-23 of the final triumph of God's love? How is it to be achieved? Does this chapter in any way illustrate the conduct and the one sure hope of God's people today? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Hosea) Chapter 2 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) Very directly, it says in v. 8, "She has not acknowledged that I was the one who gave her the grain, the new wine and oil, who lavished on her the silver and gold - which they used for Baal." The Israelites attributed these riches to Baal, the Canaanite god of weather, crop fertility, animals and man. (2) V. 14 shows just how merciful the Lord is, "Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her." God will restore His relationship with Israel, by restoring her vineyards and making the Valley or Achor a land of opportunity (which before was where they were judged), the names of the Baals will be removed from their lips, a covenant will be made, there will be peace. The beautiful part is the five things that God will use for betrothal - v. 19-20: Righteousness, Justice, Love, Compassion, Faithfulness. He desired Israel to be reconciled, but this could only be done at first by rebuke. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Hosea 2 Punishment and Forgiveness In Chapter 1:9, the son's name was Lo-ammi (not my people). In 2:1a, the name changed to Ammi (my people). This name is confirmed in 2:23b "--- . I will say to those called 'Not My people,' 'you are my people.' ----." 2:23b. Meanwhile, in Chapter 1:6, the daughter's name was Co-ruhamah (no more mercy). In 2:1b is now called Ruhamah (my loved one). And this name is also confirmed in 2:23a as "----. I will show my love to the one I called 'not my loved one.' The changes of these names shows God's forgiveness to His children. The first paragraph of chapter two, 2:1-13, is the Lord's charge and anger at Israel. The second paragraph of chapter two, 2:14-18, is the Lord's allurements and giving them a door of hope - the valley of Achor. The third paragraph, 2:19-23, the Lord will betroth His people with His righteousness, justice , lovingkindness, compassion and faithfulness. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Hosea portrays Israel as having sought satisfaction through other relationships (Baal worship)with the desire for more personal provision and not found them, trying to return to her first husband(God). This shows the futility of searching for satisfaction through idols, whether it be wealth, power, emotional satisfaction, the idols of this world can only offer temporary fulfillment, ONLY GOD can SATISFY COMPLETELY. 2) The promise of restoration is given in 14-23. A renewal of the first love, that was taken away, discarded by the wife. In verse 16, the Baali(my owner) is replaced by the word Ishi(My husband)[Ryrie NASB Study Bible]. This shows a longing for God and return to the understanding of a loving relationship rather than a forced and oppressive one. Israel would turn back on her own and view God as husband, not tyrant. This characterizes the way the modern church sometimes views God/Christ. We need to stop thinking of our obedience to God/Christ in a chaining restrictive manner, but to look at it as a wife honoring her husband, a respect and devotion of service born out of love, not out of oppression. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Hosea) CHAPTER 4:1-5:14 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 Note down in chapter 4: 1-14(a) the outward sins which caused the Lord to have a controversy with His people, and (b) the inward condition of which these sins were the outcome. How far might this description be applied to our society today? 2 4: 15-19. This passage may be interpreted as a warning to the Southern kingdom of Judah not to ally herself with IsraeL Why this warning, and what message has it for us? 3 What in chapter 5 are shown to be the real obstacles that separate the people from God, and God from the people? Who are charged with responsibility for this condition of things? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Hosea) Chapter 4:1-5:14 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) Outwardly, the Israelites manifested in lying, cursing and murder, stealing, and adultery due to no faithfulness, love, and no acknowledgment of God. It is prevalent in today's society. (2) Ephraim (Israel) had given herself to idols (v. 17), and so Judah was warned not to do the same. There would be resulting "whirlwind" punishment (v.19). The warning I take is not to be yoked with unbelievers (II. Cor 6:14-16). (3) The sins of the Israelites is what separated them from God. V. 4, "Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. A spirit of prostitution is in thei rheart; they do not acknowledge the Lord." A great portion of the responsibility was on the priests, who will be punished for not properly teaching God's law (v. 10). -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Hosea Chapter 4 charges to Israel and Warning to Judah In this chapter charges are precisely identified in two categories: IN THE ASPECT TOWARD GOD - A. No faithfulness; B. no love toward God and men; C. no acknowledgment of God. Vs.1 IN THE ASPECT TOWARD MEN - 1. Cursing; 2. lying; 3. Murder; 4. Stealing; 5. Adultery; 6. Violence; 7. Murder after murder. Vs.2 The punishment received as a result of their sins: JEZREEL- to be scattered; LO-RUHA- MAH - no more mercy upon them; LO-AMMI- God forsook them. 4:1-3 General corruption; 4:4-11 Against the priests; 4:12-14 Idolatrous and debauched; 4:15 A warning to Judah Gilgal and Beth Aven were among the 48 Levitical cities in Israel, cities set aside for the use of the Levites, who were not allowed to own land. These cities were intended to be centers of spiritual influence where the Law was taought and justice was served. However, by Hosea's day, Gilgal and Beth Aven, were notorious for their idolatry. Beth Aven (meaning "house of idolatry"), it was called Bethel, which means "house of God," at the time when Jeroboam I founded the northen kingdom of Israel to avoid people going to Jerusalem to worship God, 1 King 12:28-33. Refer to the Word in Life Study Bible for detailed explanation. 4:16-19 Israel the stubborn heifer. Beginning at Hosea 4:17, this book refers to the northern kingdom of Israel numerous times as Ephraim. The name Ephraim came to stand for the entire northern kingdom of Israel, Is. 7:9. Hosea Chapter 5 Impending Judgment on Israel and Judah 5:1-7 Priests, nobles and king are the ruin of the nation; Mizpah was a city in the south of Israel, about eight miles north of Jerusalem. It was built on a hill. Mount Tabor was a spectacular promontory overlooking the sea of Galilee in the north. It was also a site of an idolatrous sanctuary. 5:1 5:8-12 "The Civil War"; 5:13-14 The folly of foreign alliances; 5:1 The Lord abandons his people. In summary, Ephraim was denounced because of her 1. ignorance, 4:6; 2. Idolatry, 4:12,13 and 17; 3. Immorality, 5:3. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In Chp4, we see the outward demonstrations of sin: deception, murder, stealing, adultery, and violence. Sound familiar? These sins of the people resulted from an inward problem - that they have forgotten the Lord, they had lost their faithfulness to Him, and had no knowledge of Him. 2) The warning of 15-19 is that the people not spread the wickedness to the Northern Kingdom or to the Holy cities of Gilgal and Bethel. The message for us is that we should be careful not to let the ways of this society infiltrate our lives to the point we become complacent with the evils around us. 3) Chp 5 identifies the real obstacles of separation. Bad leadership spawns bad followers, so the evil of the leaders multiplied the evil of the people. The pride of Israel had it in the position it was in - waiting for judgement. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Hosea) CHAPTER 5:15-8:14 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 The passage 5:1-15 - 6:6 is a dialogue between God and the people, in which God has expressed His purpose to withdraw His presence (5:15), the people lightheartedly profess repentance, and their confidence in God's restored favour (6: 1-3); but the true situation is far from what the people think (6:4-6). What does God desire to find in His people? 2 The remainder of today's portion consists of descriptions of the state of the nation: the sinfulness of priests, kings, and people (6: 7 - 7:7); their instability and folly (7:8 - 8:3); God's anger against both their rulers and their idols-all alike man-made (8: 4-13). What do you find here (a) about the sins that abounded; (b) about false alliances that blinded their eyes; (c) about the real cause of their perilous position? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Hosea) Chapter 5:15-8:14 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) Israel's love for the Lord is not steadfast - it is fleeting, like the morning dew. Despite God's attempts to warn her thru prophets and judgements, they were still blinded spiritually and unfaithful. V. 6 - God desires MERCY, not sacrifice and ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF HIM. (2) Israel's sin was blatant and truly with a sense of wreckless lack of self-consciousness. She is called a dove - easily deceived and senseless. The Lord says, "I long to redeem them but they speak lies against me. They do not cry out to me from their hearts but wail upon their beds." How heartbreaking a situation! Assyria and Egypt were her "lovers", whom she turned to for help rather than the Lord. Their unfaithfulness and mutltitude of sins has separated them from their Husband. They will be punished by fire that will consume their fortresses (v. 14). -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Hosea 6 Come and Let Us Return to the Lord HOSEA'S ADVICE: 6:1-3 "Come, and let us return to the Lord; -------. Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, Like the latter and former rain to the earth." In Israel, farmers wait for former rain to sow and latter rain to harvest. THE LORD SAID: 6:4-11 "O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? For your faithfulness is like a morning cloud, And like the early dew it goes away. ----------. For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. ------." Hosea Chapter 7 The Guilt of Ephraim and the Wickness of Samaria - They were aflame with lust like a baker's hot oven, 7:4. - They mingled with the heathen and had become as useless as a half-baked cake, 7:8 - They were weakened and feeble, 7:9. - They were arrogant, 7:10. - They were as silly dove, calling to Egypt, and flying to Assyria for help, 7:11. Theywere as a crooked bow, always missing the target, which was God's glory, 7:16 Chapter 8 A Prediction of Captivity 8:1-10 Israel seeks other rulers and gods. 8:11-14 Israel forgets her Maker. 8:12 I have written for him the great things of My law, But they were considered a strange thing. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. The Scripture is inspired by the Spirit of God, we need to read in spirit, not in mind only, in order to catch the spiritual meaning of the Word. Otherwise, it would be only a "strange thing" to me. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) God delivers the verdict in Chp 5, v15 "I will go away and return to My place Until they acknowledge their guilt and seek My face; In their affliction they will earnestly seek Me." God realizes here that the people will only return to Him if they are put through trials and tests, and realized that 'tough love' is the only way to get them back. He must watch them go through tragedy and trial to see them again. The people dialogue back to God and profess repentance, but God sees it as only a vapor, as the morning mist, a temporary thing, here for a moment, but gone in an instant. God desires to find v6 "For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, And in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings" 2) In chp 7-8 we find the crimes of Israel. These deal with the sinfulness of the leader and the people, the fickleness of their faith, and God's anger to the rulers and idols. We find that Israel forgets that the Lord sees all and considers all deeds, even those done in secret. We see find that Israel has turned to false gods that have blinded them. We also see the true cause for their problems v16 " they turn, but not upward" Are we too guilty of giving God lipservice, religious show, and spectacle, but not our hearts? Let us turn our hearts in an upward direction and give our loyalty to the One deserving of our tribute. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Hosea) CHAPTER 9-10 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= These chapters are prophecies of continuing judgment, and show how the people's sin will bring upon them (a) exile (9: 1-8); (b) a diminished population (9:9-17); and (c) the destruction of both the sanctuaries and the throne, and the reducing of the nation to servitude (10:1-15). 1 9: 1-8. This passage was perhaps spoken at a religious festival, when people were making merry after the manner of the heathen j at their festivals (9:1). How does Hosea describe the changes that exile will bring? 2 9:9-17. God Himself speaks. He sees lust prevalent in the nation, as in the most shameful days of Israel's history. To what results would it lead? 3 What different kinds of Sin are spoken of in chapter 10? What counsel does the prophet give as to the one way of escape from the coming judgment? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Hosea) Chapter 9-10 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) They will eat unclean food in Assyria (get sick from it), disregard the Lord, lose their wealth, prophets are not heeded and are persecuted. (2) As the result of their lust, there willl be no increase of Israel. And v. 12, "Even if they rear children, I will bereave every one of them..." (3) Ch. 10 talks of pagan worship, take false oaths and make agreements and promises (probably of corrupt nature), priests are also idolatrous. the prophet says to, v. 12, "SOW FOR YOURSELVES RIGHTEOUSNESS, REAP THE FRUIT OF UNFAILING LOVE, AND BREAK UP YOUR UNPLOWED GROUND (be repentant); FOR IT IS TIME TO SEEK THE LORD, UNTIL HE COMES AND SHOWERS RIGHTEOUSNESS ON YOU." Overall, the message in that seems to be to repent and do good. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Hosea Chapter 9 Punishment of Israel for Forsaking Their Master Israelites did not listen to the advice of the prophet and considered his prediction as a fool and his inspiration as a madman. 9:7 Therefore, Hosea prophesied that the Lord would chase them out of their promised land and exile them to Assyria, 9:3. Then, the Lord told them that their root is withered and would yield no fruit and also be wandering among the nations, 9:16-17. Hosea Chapter 10 Punishment of Israel for Their Divided Heart They must bear their guilt because of their deceitful (divided, KJV) heart. 10:2. They would be put in bondage for their double sin - for turning away from God and also for turning to idol worship. 10:10. TO AVOID THESE PUNISHMENTS, you must "Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you." 10:12. Amos 5: 4-7: For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel: "Seek Me and live; But do not seek Bethel, Nor enter Gilfal, Nor pass over to Beersheba; for gilgal shall surely go into captivity. And bethel shall come to nothing. Seek the Lord and live, Lest He break out like fire in the house of Joseph, And devour it, With no one to quench it in Bethel - You who turn justice to wormwood, And lay righteousness to rest in the earth." -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Hosea describes in 9: 1-8 the changes of exile. He tells that wine presses will fail them(i.e. no enjoyment of life), Will not remain in the Lord's land, sacrifices unpleasing to the Lord (so was Cain's sacrifice unpleasing), and weeds will take over their treasure. The people were in disbelief and called Hosea a madman and demented. 2) In 9:9-17. God speaks. He says that the people's lust will be remembered, that their glory will fly away like a bird(no children - children are the crown to a mother). He will cause them to be wanderers among the nations. 3) In Chp10, we see several sins, but Idolatry was one of the biggest of their sins. As the people prospered, they turned away from God and made graven images for themselves. They set up a calf in Beth-Aven(golden calves set up by Jereboam). Hosea counsels that there is one way for escape - 10:12b ***** For it is time to seek the Lord Until He comes to rain righteousness on you. ***** ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Hosea) CHAPTER 11-12 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= In chapter 11 another aspect of God's dealings with Israel breaks into view His persistent love. Judgment there must be (11:5-8), but God will not makea final end of His sinning people. 1 How was God's love manifested in Israel's beginnings? See 11: 1-4; cf Dt. 7:6-8. How was this love still manifested, in spite of all His people's backsliding? See 11: 8-11. 2 In chapter 11 God has spoken of His attitude to Israel; now in 11:12 - 12:2 He speaks of Israel's attitude to Himself Then the prophet reminds the people of the very different history of their ancestor Jacob (12:3,4). What is the attitude to Himself which God desires (12:6; cf 6:6; 10:12)? What, however, was Israel's response to all God's pleadings (12: 7-14)? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Hosea) Chapter 11-12 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Hosea 11 Israel Versus God Israel / God Worshiped idols, vs. 2 / Loved them, vs. 1a; Ignored God, vs.3b / Called them, vs. 1b; Refused God's Lordship, vs. 5 / Taught them, vs. 3a; Followed own counsel, vs. 6 / Drew them, vs. 4a; Backslid,vs. 7 / Fed them, vs. 4b; Lied about God, vs. 12a / Encouraged them, vs.8; Lived in deceit, vs. 12b / assured them, vs. 9; [World's Bible Handbook] 11:1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. God was talking about the time He brought Moses and the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Many years later, the writer Matthew told about Joseph and Mary bringing little Jesus back from Egypt, where they had gone to escape the evil King Herod. Matthew remembered Hosea's words , Matthew 2:15 and used them to show God's loving plan in sending Jesus. [What the Bible is All About] Vs. 7 - 11 show God's love is stronger than his vengeance. However, this love would only apply to those who answer the call - 11:10 "They will follow the Lord; ----." Hosea 12 Maintain Love and Justice and Wait for Your God Always In this chapter Hosea alludes to the incident in which Jacob wrestled with god at Penuel, as well as his vision of the ladder reaching to heaven at Bethel to illustrate how we should not hurt ourselves by wrestling with God and search for God, He will reveal Himself to us. 12: 1-6. Riches con not make up for sin - 12:8 Ephraim boasts, "I am very rich; I have become wealthy. With all my wealth they will not find in me any iniquity or sin." -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Chapter 11 shows God's love for Israel. If Hosea had fallen in love with Gomer, these were probably feelings he understood well. He probably still felt that love for one who had turned her back on him, just as God still longed for Israel to return to Him. God's love was manifested in the beginnings of Israel the nation when He delivered them from Egypt, selecting from among the world the one he would pursue a relationship with. That love was still manifested as evidenced in v8- 11 = my compassions are kindled, I will not come in wrath. Even though He was angry that his spouse(Israel had turned to another lover(the World), God held his fierce anger in check out of His love for her). 2) In 11:12-12:2 we see Israel's attitude toward God. Israel has been deceitful, lying to God about her dealings, she has been unruly, pursues fleeting help(feed on the wind), and makes a covenant with her lovers(covenant with the world[Assyria]/ oil carried to Egypt). Hosea then reminds the people of their forefather Jacob. He had done wrong things, had contended with the message(messenger) of God, and been dishonest with his birthright, but he was still able to find God and restore fellowship. God wants us to v6 "return to" Him, and "wait for" Him continually. Israel did not do as commanded though, and justify's her sin and the life she is living(being provided for by her lovers). God's response is to put Israel in isolation(v9) put back into the wilderness in tents. This would represent the time Gomer was told to be in isolation. -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) God brought Israel out from Egypt. Despite their sinfulness, the Lord showed his love for them, v. 8b, "...My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused." (2) God is compassionate and merciful towards Israel, as seen in ch. 11. However, she has been unfaithful to Him, is corrupted and sought other pleasures in vain, 12:1, "EPHRAIM FEEDS ON THE WIND; HE PURSUES THE EAST WIND ALL DAY AND MUTIPLIES LIES AND VIOLENCE..." Israel the nationis compared to Jacob, the man who struggled with God. Despite the Lord's desperate pleas and strong rebukes, Israelshe is still unfaithful and full of wickedness. It makes me wonder, as a Christian, do I really not have idols before my God? Do I really place Him first? He is worthy - let's place Him first. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Hosea) CHAPTER 13-14 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 In what four ways is the coming judgment described in chapter 13 (verses 3, 7-8, 15, 16)? And what four reasons are given for this judgment (verses 1-2, 4-6, 9, 16)? What may we learn from this about the nature of sin? 2 Chapter 14 describes the final triumph of God's love. What, according to this chapter, does repentance involve (14: 1-3,8), and what is the divine response? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Hosea) Chapter 13-14 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) It does seem like a "rocky" love story between God and Israel here. At times, the Lord expresses his love and compassion. Then, the people are still unrepentant and He must bring down judgement. The sins are Baal worhsip, forgetting the Lord, wanting a king other than the Lord, rebellion. The judgement will be swift, sudden and devasating. Sin must be dealt with and since the people are unrepentant, the Lord must bring shaking punishment. (2) Repentance involves confession and "words" - prayer for forgiveness. V. 2 "Take words with you and return to the Lord..." A specific prayer is even included in v. 2b-3. The Lord' s response is healing and mercy. v. 9b, "THE WAYS OF THE LORD ARE RIGHT; THE RIGHTEOUS WALK IN THEM, BUT THE REBELLIOUS STUMBLE IN THEM." -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Hosea 13 Grew Proud and Forgot God It used to be whenever Ephraim spoke, surrounding tribes and nations trembled, 13:1. This referred to the powerful tribe of Ephraim and her great leaders such as Joshua (Joshua 8:1-3) and Jeroboam (I Kings 11:26). So great was he in Israel. However, after their hearts were divided, 10:2, and trusted in world power, richness and idols etc., they sinned against God. Their glory flew away; their efforts were wasted, 7:9 -Aliens have devoured his strength, but he does not know it; Yes, GRAY HAIRS ARE HERE AND THERE ON HIM, YET HE DOES NOT KNOW IT. "Therefore they shall be like the morning cloud And like the early dew that passes away, Like chaff blown off from a threshing floor And like smoke from a chimney." 13:3 Vanity of vanities, all is vanity, Ecclesiastes 1:2b. 13:4 & 6 "Yet I am the Lord your God Even since the land of Egypt, And you shall know no God but Me; For there is no savior besides Me; ---- When they had pasture, they were filled; They were filled and their heart was exalted; Therefore they forgot Me." 13:9 "It is your destruction, O Israel, That you are - against Me, against your - help." [NASB] Hosea 14 The Ways of the Lord Are Right And the Righteous Will Walk in Them 14:2b " ---- For we will offer the sacrifices of our lips." Some ones may have the misunstanding that lip service is cheap, let them think what they think. We offer our lips as bulls sacrifice to the Lord. Because in Him the fatherless ones find mercy from our heavenly Father. 14:3 Do you realize that backsliding {apostasy, NASB} is a sickness?, "I will heal their backsliding, ---" 14:4 REVIVAL - 14:5-7 I will be like the dew to Israel; He shall grow like the lily, And lengthen his roots like Lebanon. His branches shall spread; His beauty shall be like an olive tree, And his fragrance like Lebanon. Those who dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall be revived like grain, And grow like the vine. Their scent shall be like the wine of Lebanon. Revival would come with the descending of Holy Spirite, referred as dew. Both lily and grain (corn) reproduce very fast. 14:5b in NIV " ---- Like a cedar or Lebanon he will send down his roots"; a good healthy tree must cast down their roots as deep as their height upwards. Spiritual growth consists most in the growth of the root which is out of sight. Revival requires deep root that is not seen from the surface. CLOSING CHALLENGES, 14:9 Who is wise? Let him understand these things. Who is prudent? Let him know them. For the ways of the Lord are right; The righteous walk in them, But transgressors stumble in them. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In Chp 13, the Lord describes the coming judgment on Israel. The judgement will be: quick and short(3), (7-8) very harsh, (15) Unannounced / unexpected, (16) intense. This describes the judgement necessitated by the nature of sin. Sin is purely evil, it is an instantaneous action, it is decisive, and it is completely against all good. 2) Chp 14 paints for us the picture of repentance. We see the nature of repentance in (1-3,8). Repentance is: a return(change of course to go back from the path chosen), the proper response to sin, something we must do to restore fellowship(conversation/prayer) with God, requiring a change of heart, and it restores our ability to praise God. God's response to repentance is to restore fellowship and to demonstrate love, to cultivate again in us the growing spirit, and to restore full protection to us. Chp14:9 (NASB95) 9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them.