Reflection Questions – Hosea

In what ways is a marriage relationship between a husband and a wife analogous to the relationship between God and His people in the gospel?

In Hosea, God likens the sin of his people to spiritual adultery - being unfaithful to our marriage-like covenant relationship with Him.  How does this reality (that sin is adultery) affect how we understand sin?  How does it affect how we understand our relationship with God?

After Hosea marries Gomer (Hosea 1:2-3), Gomer commits adultery, and leaves him, and sells herself into slavery.  Then, Hosea goes and buys her back out of slavery (Hosea 3:1-3).  How is this story meant to serve as an illustration for the gospel, and for God’s relationship with His people?

Why do you think that God allows for His people to experience consequences (sometimes painful consequences) as a result of their sin?

The book of Hosea is comprised of beautiful passages on redemption (Hosea 1-3, 11, 14), as well as extended passages on the judgment of God that is coming because of unrepentant sin (Hosea 4-10, 12-13).  How are we to reconcile these two, seemingly divergent messages from the same prophet, in the same book?

In Hosea 14, God calls His people to repent, and to return to him, so that they can enjoy his healing, and love, and blessing.  What are some areas in your life where you need to repent, and to return to the Lord?  What would it look like to heed the words of Hosea 14 in these areas?