Hosea 6:11—8:14: What Do You See?

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

Have you ever looked at yourself in distorted carnival mirrors that make you look extremely tall and thin or incredibly short and fat? In the next few chapters of Hosea it seems that the Israelites had the opposite kinds of mirrors—they saw only the images of themselves that they wanted to see. Through Hosea the Lord tries to get the Israelites to see their reflection as it really is.

Warming Up to God

Ask God to open your eyes and your spirit to the truth about yourself.

Read Hosea 6:11—8:14

Discovering the Word

• How does Hosea convey the wickedness of Israel (also called Samaria and Ephraim) in 7:1-7?
• The Lord condemns the foreign policy of Israel. How do the images of 7:8-13 and 8:7-10 show their folly?
• What did the Israelites need to do to change their future (7:14-15)?
• The Israelites were convinced that they had turned to the Lord (8:2). What betrayed the reality of the situation (8:3-6)?
• The Israelites asked for forgiveness through the sacrificial system that the Lord provided, so why was God angry (8:11-14)?

Applying the Word

• Hosea uses vivid language to characterize the people of Israel in these chapters. What images would you use to describe your walk with God?
• God condemns the Israelites for seeking help from idols or other nations. How are you like the Israelites?
• The Israelites are incredibly self-deluded in these chapters. Where do you see this self-delusion in the church and in yourself?

Responding in Prayer

Pray for forgiveness for the times that you delude yourself. Through the power of the Spirit pray that you will be able to face the truth and find freedom.