Bible studies on the Minor Prophets, HOSEA No.1, 9 January 2003 ...

mean for us now, and for the future?8. Hosea 2:19-20. Examine each of the key words in these verses. What do we learnfrom them about the nature of God?Hosea 2:21-23 Abundant concord9. In what way are these verses an answer to polytheism?10. What do these verses teach about covenant? What do they say to us? See Romans9:23-26 and I Peter 2:9-10.<strong>Bible</strong> <strong>studies</strong> on the Minor Prophets, HOSEA No.4, 30 January 2003Readings: Hosea 3:1-5 Love…as the Lord loves. Hosea 4:1-19Questions1. How does God sum up the situation of Hosea’s marriage, comparing it to his owncovenant relationship with the Israelites? How does Ephesians 5:32-33 relate toHosea 3:1?2. Comment on ‘sacred raisin cakes’, ‘15 shekels of silver’, ‘homer’, ‘lekhed’ andephod’.3. Why is this chapter written in prose and not poetry?Note that the remaining chapters of Hosea (4-14) spell out the parable containedin chapters 1-3.Questions on 4:1-19Hosea 4:1-3. All the sins in the book4. Hosea 4:1. What do faithfulness, kindness (hesed) and knowledge of God tell usabout relationship?5. Hosea 4:2. In these sins how did the embryonic become full-blown? Compare withthe sermon on the mount.6. Hosea 4:3. What are the effects of sin on humanity and the environment?Hosea 4:4-6 The guiltiest party7.Who is the guiltiest party? See Matthew 15:14.Hosea 4:7-11 Like people, like priest8. Do people get the leaders they deserve?9. Why are the priests obsessed with food and sex?Hosea 4:11-14 Creeping corruption10. Why are God’s people without excuse?11. Why does God not allow a double standard – one for men and another forwomen? Compare Genesis 38:23-24.Hosea 4:15-19 Keep your distance12. Note the use of irony and compare with Amos 4:4 and Luke 15:17.<strong>Bible</strong> <strong>studies</strong> on the Minor Prophets, HOSEA No.5, 6 February 2003Reading: Hosea 5:1-7:2