Hosea 11:12—13:16: Chasing the Wind

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

If you knew that two tornadoes were going to collide, would you stand in the middle of them? Israel did, because she thought she could play the two superpowers against each other. Hosea called this foolish practice "pursuing the wind." (The west wind was Egypt and the east wind was the more terrifying Assyria.) Instead of relying on the Lord, Israel thought she could control her future through foreign policy. History tells us that Israel was destroyed by Assyria.

Warming Up to God

Reflect before God on how you control your life and your future.

Read Hosea 11:12—13:16

Discovering the Word

• How is Israel (also called Ephraim, Jacob and Samaria) revealed as lying, deceitful and manipulative in chapters 12 and 13?
• How does God stand in contrast to Israel (12:5, 6, 9, 10, 13; 13:4-6)?
• How does Hosea show the silliness of Israel's pride and idolatry (12:8; 13:2, 6, 13)?
• Why does Hosea keep reminding Israel of what the Lord God did for them in the past?
• What was the result of Israel's unfaithfulness to God and her manipulation of Assyria (13:15-16)?

Applying the Word

• How do you lie to or manipulate God, others and yourself?
• How can you let the Lord poke holes in your pride and idolatry?
• How does the way God has saved you in the past change the way you look at the present and the future?

Responding in Prayer

Pray that you will remember where to put your trust when the wind blows and when it is silent.