Victory Fellowship Bible Study
273 23rd St. S.W., Barberton, OH 44203
Wednesdays at 7pm
Rev. Roderick D. Grabski (330) 858-0223
arod4God@neo.rr.com FACEBOOK: Roderick Grabski
CLASS TWO: Impossible Love Affair
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. READ / LISTEN to Hosea 1:1-11 and 2:1
a. What are your initial impressions? Notable translation differences?
III. Hosea the Prophet
a. Name means “salvation.” It’s the same name in Hebrew that Joshua original had (Deut. 32:44), as well as Israel’s last king (2 Kings 17:1).
b. He is referred to by several New Testament writers:
i. Matt 2:15; 9:13; 12:7; Luke 23:30; Romans 9:25-28; 1 Cor 15:55; Rev 6:16
c. Preached in and to Israel (Ephraim) from about 755-715 B.C.
d. The book is structured around object lessons from Hosea’s marriage and family experience (chapters 1-3), and preaching (chapters 4-7).
e. It is the second largest book of the Minor Prophets, with only Zechariah being longer.
IV. Hosea’s Message and Purpose
a. Four-Fold Indictment Against Israel
i. Rejecting Knowledge of God and His Law, and violating the covenant requirement to show faithfulness and kindness.
ii. They practiced idolatry, harlotry, and “visited” temple prostitutes.
iii. Rather than God, they trusted in human inventions (kings, princes, warriors, foreign treaties).
iv. They were guilty of injustice and violence (murder, lying, theft, oppression).
b. The Lord’s Instruction
i. JUST STOP IT!
ii. Return to the Lord and be faithful to His covenant.
c. The Lord’s Judgement
i. The Lord has abandoned them and discipline was coming in the form of foreign domination, exile, destruction, and death.
d. The Lord is their only Hope: In response to their repentance and faith, God would love them and redeem them. God will restore and beautify Israel again.
V. Revelation Received (1:1)
a. His calling runs parallel to the Southern (Judah) kings: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah; and one Northern (Israel) king: Jeroboam II. (See kings/prophets chart)
VI. Hosea’s Marriage and Children (1:2-11; 2:1)
a. The Place of Judgement (vv. 2-5)
i. Compare various translations of verse 2.
ii. What are “children of promiscuity?”
iii. Why did God direct Hosea to do this?
iv. Compare verses 3 and 6. What is significant?
v. Jezreel is a contentious name. It means “God scatters (or sows).”
b. Historical and Biblical Importance of Jezreel:
i. Major Battles: The valley hosted many historic conflicts, including Gideon’s victory over the Midianites and King Saul’s final defeat by the Philistines at Mount Gilboa.
ii. Royal City: The ancient city of Jezreel served as a winter capital and palace for northern Israelite kings like Ahab and Jezebel.
iii. Naboth's Vineyard: The city is famous for the biblical story of Naboth, whose vineyard was wrongfully taken by King Ahab and Queen Jezebel.
iv. Prophetic Symbolism: The prophet Hosea used the valley as a symbol of both divine judgment and future restoration for Israel. It began in 2 Kings 15:10 when King Zechariah met his death at the hand of Shallum in the Valley of Jezreel around 743 B.C. It continued in 2 Kings 15:29 when Tiglath-pilezer III of Assyria defeated Israel’s army took the territory of the Valley of Jezreel around 733–732 BC.
c. The Reason for the Judgment (1:6-7)
i. Lo-Ruhamah – No compassion. What is God’s motive for giving Gomer’s daughter this name?
ii. Where does God say His compassion will go?
d. The Result of the Judgment (1:8-9)
i. Note the phrasing again in verse 8 concerning the birth of this son.
ii. Lo-ammi – Not my people. This is a harsh punishment.
VII. A Hopeful Future (1:10 – 2:1)
a. God is a God of Hope, Unity, and Compassion!
VIII. APPLICATION:
a. God often reveals Himself in terms of our family relationships.
b. God has a plan to restore His people in faithfulness and love.
IX. Final Comments, Questions. Close in Prayer
Next Week: Love as the Lord Loves - Read Hosea 2:2 - 3:5 to prepare.
