Free group study handout
Hosea 7: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Hosea 7 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
When Yahweh seeks to heal Israel, the iniquities of Ephraim and Samaria are uncovered (vv. 1-2). They commit falsehood and engage in wickedness, making their leaders glad through deceit (v.
Key verse
“Ephraim is like an easily deceived dove, without understanding. They call to Egypt. They go to Assyria.”
Hosea 7:11 (WEB)
Outline
- Hosea 7:1–3 Uncovering Iniquity in Israel
- Hosea 7:4–6 Burning Like an Oven
- Hosea 7:7–9 Consequences of Rebellion
- Hosea 7:10–12 Seeking Help from Nations
- Hosea 7:13–15 God's Lamentation
- Hosea 7:16 The Fate of Ephraim
Discussion questions
- In v1, what does God say is uncovered when He would heal Israel?
- What imagery is used in v4 to describe the people’s actions?
- In v11, why does God compare Ephraim to 'an easily deceived dove'?
- What does the phrase 'faulty bow' in v16 suggest about Israel's condition?
- When have you ignored a warning, much like Israel in v13?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Hosea 7: Hosea 9, John 10, Hosea 5.
Before next time: read Hosea 8.