Hosea 6: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Hosea 6 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The prophet calls the people to return to Yahweh, acknowledging their need for healing and revival (vv. 1-3). He asserts that after two days, Yahweh will revive them and on the third day they will live before him. Yahweh expresses grief over Israel's unfaithfulness, comparing their love to a morning cloud that vanishes quickly (vv. 4-6). He desires mercy and knowledge of God more than sacrifices. Israel has broken the covenant, and their corruption is evident in Gilead and among the priests, who commit shameful acts (vv. 7-10). Yahweh sees prostitution and defilement in Ephraim, highlighting the moral decay of the nation. Finally, he declares that Judah has a harvest appointed when he restores the fortunes of his people (v. 11).

Key verse

“For I desire mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”
Hosea 6:6 (WEB)

Outline

Hosea 6:1–3 Call to Return and Acknowledgment
Hosea 6:4–6 God's Grief over Israel's Unfaithfulness
Hosea 6:7–10 Israel's Covenant Broken and Corruption
Hosea 6:11 Judah's Future Restoration

Discussion questions

In v1, what does the text say God has done to Israel?
What is God compared to in v3 regarding His coming to Israel?
In v6, what does God mean by preferring 'mercy' over 'sacrifice'?
In v7, why is Israel's unfaithfulness compared to Adam's breaking of the covenant?
When have you experienced a time of healing after recognizing your own 'wounds'?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Hosea 6: 1 Samuel 15, Matthew 9, Micah 6.

Before next time: read Hosea 7.