Chapter Summary

Charges against Israel tor their sinfulness, idolatry and ignorance.

Discussion Questions for Hosea, Chapter 4

1. God states His grievances with Israel in the form of a lawsuit. Why is this metaphor used? Where else in the Bible do you see God use lawsuit language to rebuke His people?
2. In what ways does our society mimic the behavior in verse two and its effects in verse 3?
3. In verse one it states that there is no “faithfulness, steadfast love, or knowledge of God.” Why are these three characteristics ordered in this way? In what way does the knowledge of God encapsulate both faithfulness and steadfast love?
4. In what ways are you growing in the knowledge of God? How does knowledge of God relate to growing in the likeness of God?
5. Why is it significant that the land is suffering? In what ways does our sin affect the rest of creation?
6. What is the significance of the people not multiplying in verse 10? What is the relationship between the broken covenant and God's goal for creation?
7. Why does God say “my people are destroyed” in verse 6? Why is it important to have right knowledge of God? How does this encourage us to pursue sound teaching and doctrine?
8. God gives a significant rebuke to the priest. Why is the priest largely to blame for the failings of the people? What does this tell us about God's view of a teacher or overseer?
9. Verse 10 says that they “will eat but not be satisfied.” How do you pursue fleeting satisfaction or contentment? How is pursuing contentment in God more fulfilling?
10. Why would God say “leave him alone” in reference to Ephraim? Why is it bad that they would be left alone? Why do we desire to not be left alone?

Key Words/Phrase

Jehovah's controversy, v. 1.

Characters

God, Hosea.

Strong Verse(s)

9, 17.