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 Three: Love as The Lord Loves
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. READ / LISTEN to Hosea 2:2 - 3:5
a. What are your initial impressions? Notable translation differences?
III. A Severe Mercy (2:1-13)
a. In addition to Hosea, his unfaithful wife, and the children, to whom do the prophet’s words pertain?
b. In the divorce proceedings, God is the prosecuting attorney, the plaintiff, and the judge. Who does He call upon to bring charges?
c. (vs. 2) This is the first command to repent in the book of Hosea. See also 4:15; 6:1; 10:12; 12:6; and 14:1-2, 9.
d. What is the justification for the rebuke? What is the desired result of the rebuke?
e. (vs. 3) What will happen to her for refusing to return faithfully?
f. (vs. 4) What will happen to her children and why?
g. (vs. 5) How does the woman act shamefully?
h. (vv. 6-7) What will God do because of her unfaithfulness?
i. (vs. 8) The Hebrew verb ([dy yada`) translated “recognize” literally means “know” and is used more times in Hosea (16) than in any of the other Minor Prophets. What does she not recognize?
j. (vv. 9-13) What therefore, will the Lord do?
i. The Hebrew noun in verse 10 (twlbn nabluwth) translated as “shame” or “lewdness” literally means “female genitalia.”
ii. The Hebrew verb (le[b ba`al) can mean “marry, rule over, or possess.” It is related to the noun for “husband, lord, or owner.”
k. Why have I titled this section “a severe mercy?”
IV. An Incredibly Forgiving God (2:14-23)
a. (vs. 14) In the place of judgment (wilderness), God will provide salvation.
i. “Speak tenderly” (rbd dabar bl leb) literally means ”speak to her heart.” Used elsewhere in the O.T. – Gen 34:3; 50:21; Judges 19:3; Isaiah 40:2
b. (vs. 15) Achor means trouble (See Joshua 7:19-26). God will restore it to a door of Hope (Isaiah 65:10).
c. (vv. 16-17) “In that day” Yahweh’s wife is restored. No more Baal.
d. (vv. 18-22) A covenant with Creation and no more war. A righteous marriage forever restored.
e. (vs. 23) All is right with Israel and Yahweh.
V. Restoration and Future Promise (3:1-5)
a. Compare translations. The Hebrew word for man, or another, is [r rea` and can be translated, neighbor.
b. She is called woman because she broke the covenant relationship with Hosea and has no claim to him.
c. Discuss the four uses of the word “love” in verse 1.
d. (vs. 2) A slave cost 30 shekels (Exodus 21:32) and a bride price was 50 shekels (Deuteronomy 22:29).
e. (vv. 3-4) Why do you think Hosea imposes a timeout from intimacy? What are the ways that God imposes a timeout for Israel?
f. (vs. 5) A great promise for the last days.
i. Isaiah 11:1-10; Jeremiah 23:5-6; 33:15-16; Matthew 1:1; 21:9; Romans 11:21-27; Revelation 7:9-10
VI. APPLICATION:
a. Every good and perfect gift comes from God and no one else. (James 1:17)
b. God calls disobedient people back to Himself. (Luke 5:31-32)
c. Live in the hope of God’s promised blessings. (Hebrews 10:23)
VII. Final Comments, Questions. Close in Prayer
Next Week: Rejected Because You’re Ignorant
- Read Hosea 4:1 - 5:15 to prepare.
