Hosea 5:1—6:11: Destroying Evil

For more context before you begin studying, read this introduction to the book of Hosea.

"God is like rot." Wow! Can you imagine describing the Lord that way? Hosea did (5:12). He wanted to make a point about the God who will destroy evil in the community. The image of God as a moth (5:12) eating away at evil can be a source of comfort to us as we experience pain in this world.

Warming Up to God

What evil would you like to see put under God's destructive power? Ask God to help you see what a mighty God he is.

Read Hosea 5:1—6:11

Discovering the Word

• Ephraim/Israel has turned to prostitution (both literally and figuratively). How are the Israelites politically, socially and religiously unfaithful to the Lord in chapters 5—6?
• What vivid language does Hosea use in these chapters to describe the Lord who is going to punish Israel?
• Ephraim/Israel sees Assyria (5:13) as the answer to a military threat she faces. How is this unfaithfulness to the Lord?
• What do you make of the people’s call to worship in 6:1-3?
• How does the Lord respond to their call to worship (6:4-6)?

Applying the Word

• Thinking creatively, what word pictures would you use to characterize God?
• How can your deeds hinder your discipleship?
• While Hosea is not against the sacrificial system, it is clear that he is opposed to the empty religiosity of the people (6:6). How can we be sure that we are not merely going through the motions?

Responding in Prayer

Ask God to show you the things that keep you from returning to him. Ask God to cleanse and restore you for his use and glory.