Chapter Summary

Jehovah's response, continued. His tender love for Israel.

Discussion Questions for Hosea, Chapter 11

1. God dearly loved Israel, and it was heartbreaking to see His people walk away from him. His heart breaks for us when we walk away from Him today. How can you repent and turn to Him today?
2. Verse 2 references the Exodus from Egyptian slavery. Why would Israel continue to burn offerings to idols when they knew the saving power of Yahweh? Why was God persistent with His love and guidance after this sin?
3. Ephraim did not recognize God's presence in their lives. How do you recognize God's presence in your life in the last 24 hours? The last week? The last year?
4. Israel's return to Egypt would not be a literal one. Instead it is a metaphor for the oppression of slavery that the Israelites would experience due to the Assyrian conquest. If you are a believer in Jesus, when have you experienced a return to the slavery of sin in your life? How can you avoid sin's return in your life?
5. The Israelites were determined to backslide and return to sin. When one has backslid, what are some practical steps to take that can help get us back on track?
6. in verse 8, God has a change of heart! Has this happened before in Scripture? What similarities and differences are these between those stories and now?
7. Verses 8-11 give a glimmer of hope in the middle of some hopeless chapters. Why does God provide this hope when Israel did not deserve it?
8. Have you ever heard a lion roar in real life? Why does God roar like a lion in verse 10? When has the Lord grabbed your attention like a roaring lion?
9. "This is the LORD's declaration" (CSB) is often used to show that God has brought judgment on a group of people. How is it used in verse 11? Why is this important?
10. The chapter ends with a reminder that Ephraim, Israel and Judah are still unfaithful, even though God had promised not to fully destroy them. How does this make you feel? How does this give you hope for your life?

Key Words/Phrase

Jehovah's love, vv. 1, 4, 8

Characters

God.

Strong Verse(s)

3, 4, 8, 9.