Chapter Summary

Jehovah's response, continued. Israel's coming distress because of sin.

Discussion Questions for Hosea, Chapter 9

1. Why is Israel's relationship with God being described in verse 1 with words like "promiscuous" and "prostitute?" Why would this be especially hard-hitting for Hosea?
2. Ephraim's "return to Egypt" would not happen in the literal sense, so what could this be a reference to? Where would they actually end up? Has a "return to Egypt" ever happened in your life?
3. Verses 3-5 pose a question for the Israelites. If they were in exile in Assyria, how would they worship the Lord during the Passover and other festivals? Why would God put them in a position where they can't even worship Him properly?
4. Verse 7 depicts the prophets as fools and insane due to their devotion to following the Lord. Read 1st Corinthians 4:10-13. Does your life actually look foolish compared to the world? Why or why not?
5. What is meant by the "days of Gibeah" (CSB) in verse 9? How does that shed light on the state of Israel during this time? How would you try to convince a person to repent when their life is described in this way?
6. Israel's relationship with the Lord was like cool grapes in the heat of the wilderness until "they went to Baal-peor" (CSB). What does this reference?
7. Have you ever had a relationship (friendship, coworker, dating, marriage or any other) start off refreshing but turn in a poor direction? What emotions did you experience? What emotions do you think God experienced during these days?
8. The Christian Standard Bible capitalizes the "s" in "Shame" in verse 10. Many other versions don't do this, so what are your thoughts on this interpretation? Why do you think this was done?
9. Read Genesis 49:22-26. Who was it written about? How does this contrast with Hosea 9:10-17?
10. Why would Hosea wish for God to give Ephraim a "womb that miscarries and breasts that are dry" (CSB)? Is this a curse or a blessing considering the incoming judgment? Why?

Key Words/Phrase

Days of recompense, v. 7.

Characters

God.

Strong Verse(s)

5, 17.