Hosea 11: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Hosea 11 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

God recalls how He loved Israel as a child and called His son out of Egypt (vv. 1-2). Despite this, the people sacrificed to Baals and worshipped engraved images. Yahweh taught Ephraim to walk and cared for him, lifting the burden from his neck and providing for him (vv. 3-4). However, because of their refusal to repent, Assyria would become their king, and destruction would come to their cities and plans (vv. 5-7). In a moment of divine compassion, God expresses reluctance to abandon Ephraim, contrasting His nature with human anger (vv. 8-9). He promises that His people will eventually walk after Him, responding to His call as they return from exile (vv. 10-11). Despite their falsehood and deceit, Judah remains unfaithful (v. 12).

Key verse

“How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within me, my compassion is aroused.”
Hosea 11:8 (WEB)

Outline

Hosea 11:1–2 God's Call to Israel
Hosea 11:3–4 God's Nurturing Actions
Hosea 11:5–7 Consequences of Rebellion
Hosea 11:8–9 Divine Compassion
Hosea 11:10–11 Promise of Restoration
Hosea 11:12 Acknowledgment of Deceit

Discussion questions

In v1, what does God say about His relationship with Israel when they were a child?
What does God say He taught Ephraim to do in v3?
In v9, why does God express reluctance to destroy Ephraim despite their sins?
What does the imagery of God roaring like a lion in v10 imply about His action toward Israel?
How do you respond when you feel someone is surrounded by 'falsehood' as described in v12?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Hosea 11: Matthew 2, Jeremiah 31, Numbers 23.

Before next time: read Hosea 12.