Chapter Summary

Jehovah's face withdrawn from Israel.

Discussion Questions for Hosea, Chapter 5

1. Why does God call on both priest and king? How does this adjust the perspective of Israel's coming judgement?
2. Read verses 3-4. How does God describe the relationship between Israel and God? How does this contrast with John 10:14-15? How does the finished work of Jesus shape our view of judgement?
3. What does verse 4 suggest about the people returning to God? Read Hebrews 10:19-22. How do these verses contrast? What does this reveal about God's covenant people?
4. What does verse 6 say about those who seek God? Based on the conclusion made, were the people truly seeking God? Why or why not?
5. What does God say about those who truly seek Him? How does this contrast with the conclusion in verse 6? How might we seek the Lord half-heartedly or begrudgingly?
6. Israel was said to have birthed illegitimate children. How is this an accurate representation of Hosea's children? How does Hosea's sign-act help make sense of the Israelites status as covenant people?
7. According to verse 10, how will God judge His people? Why is water significant for the judgement of the Israelites? Where else is water used as means of judgement, cleansing, or renewal?
8. What does God's relationship to Israel in verse 12 look like? Why is this simile used? What does this suggest about God's role in their coming judgement?
9. What does Ephraim turn to in their sickness? What is God's response? How might we seek our own vices in our sickness? How can we acknowledge the Lord's superiority over our vices?
10. In verse 15, it says “until they recognize their guilt and seek my face.” Why are these conditions listed in this order? Why is this important to the act of repentance?

Key Words/Phrase

Jehovah's withdrawal, vv. 6, 15.

Characters

God.

Strong Verse(s)

16