Hosea 5: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Hosea 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh calls the priests, Israel, and the house of the king to listen, declaring that judgment is against them because they have been a snare at Mizpah and a net at Tabor (vv. 1-2). He knows Ephraim and accuses Israel of spiritual adultery, stating they are defiled and cannot return to Him because of their unfaithfulness (vv.

Key verse

“I will go and return to my place, until they acknowledge their offense, and seek my face. In their affliction they will seek me earnestly.”
Hosea 5:15 (WEB)

Outline

Hosea 5:1–2 A Call to Attention
Hosea 5:3–4 Spiritual Adultery
Hosea 5:5–7 Consequences of Pride
Hosea 5:8–10 Sounding the Alarm
Hosea 5:11–12 Oppression and Destruction
Hosea 5:13–14 Seeking Help in Vain
Hosea 5:15 A Call for Repentance

Discussion questions

In v1, who is called to listen alongside the priests?
What does 'the spirit of prostitution' in v4 indicate about Israel's relationship with God?
The phrase 'new moon will devour them' in v7: what does this imply about Israel's fate?
In v14, why is God described as both a lion and a young lion towards Judah?
When have you felt distant from God, similar to Israel's experience in v6?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Hosea 5: Hosea 4, Hosea 9, Hosea 7.

Before next time: read Hosea 6.