Hosea 1:1-14:9
Background:
Hosea prophesied to the nation of Israel (the northern kingdom) about 750 years before Christ. Israel was experiencing great material prosperity, but they had turned away from God to worship idols, which God considered to be spiritual adultery to the covenant He had made with them. Hosea wrote to remind the Israelites—and us—that God is a loving God whose loyalty to His covenant people is steadfast. In spite of Israel’s continual waywardness, God’s committed love is illustrated in the long-suffering husband of the unfaithful wife. In the book of Hosea, God’s relentless pursuit of the idolatrous nation is depicted in rich metaphors containing themes of sin, judgment, and inexhaustible divine love.
Memory Verse:
“For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6, ESV)
Reflection:
How does praise and worship reframe your heart and mind?
Study Guide Available
For the corresponding study guide, please contact Melissa Renner at melissar@stonebriar.org.