Introduction
Hosea gives this prophecy just before northern Israel is taken into captivity by the Assyrians (modern day Iraq).
Questions
1. How does Hosea say his people sin more and more?
v 2 Now they sin more and more,
and have made themselves molten images of their silver,
even idols according to their own understanding,
all of them the work of the craftsmen. ...
2. What will God do because the people have forgotten him?
v 6 to 8 ... they have forgotten me.
Therefore I am like a lion to them.
Like a leopard, I will lurk by the path.
I will meet them like a bear that is bereaved of her cubs,
and will tear the covering of their heart.
There I will devour them like a lioness. ...
3. What does Hosea say is the reason why Israel is destroyed?
v 9 You are destroyed, Israel, because you are against me,
against your help.
Summary Points
- v 1 to 3 The people of Israel are turning their backs on God and worshipping idols
- v 4 to 8 God is the only true God, but he will punish them because they have forgotten him
- v 9 to 14 God is angry with them because of their sin, but they can be redeemed from death
- v 15 to 16 Trouble from the east will destroy them