Hosea's life-story is outlined in these two chapters.
1. What evidence do you find: (a) that at the time of his marriage Hosea was already conscious of his prophetic calling, and did all things, including his marriage, with his eyes on the Lord; (b) that he was not fully aware, when he married Gomer, that she would prove unfaithful; and (c) that on looking back later on the whole matter, he recognized that God had brought him through this bitter experience in order that he might understand what Israel's unfaithfulness meant to God? What ought we to learn from such a record? (cross reference Gen. 50:20)
2. Gomer, having proved unfaithful, appears to have forsaken Hosea and sunk to the position of a slave. Hosea, loving her still, redeemed her, but placed her for a time under discipline. How does the prophet use this to illustrate God's love and Israel's future?
Notes:
1) 1:4 see 2 Kings 10:11, 30 Jehu was right in what he did, but not in the spirit in which he did it.
2) 1:10-2:1 is a prophecy of the future, in which the divine love interrupts the message of doom. This is characteristic of Hosea.
3) 3:4,5 This is a reference to the exile.
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I guess I'll be the first to comment :0) First off thank you Sarah and Amanda, I think that this will be a great study. I love studies that go book by book. I feel you learn more that way; about what is going on and why it is relative to us today.
ReplyDeleteQ1 a. I think that the fact that he obeyed God and went to find a wife of "Whoredom" is evidence that his eyes where set on God. I don't know of many people that would willingly take a 'wife' like that and subject themselves to ridicule that I am sure he received. Can you imagine what his mother thought???? I think that he knew God had a plan and that he was going to be faithful no matter what. A good lesson for me.
b. Chapter 3 gives us his interpretation of the situation and how he thought things would go down. I can only imagine that he was thinking that she would turn to God and that the people would see that even the most sinful person can be changed. He was probably thinking about how amazing her story would be and how God could use it to further his kingdom. Sadly he was mistaken. I love the picture that the first chapter gives us of a faithful and patient man. He followed God's direction and suffered because of it. Did you see how the first child was his and the second and third where not? It says that "She bare him a son" in vs 3. But in vs. 6 and 8 it does not say that. OUCH! The shame he must of felt; but, he stayed with her and was faithful. He could have had her stoned or something and yet; he stayed with her. WOW, Now that is love! A good picture of how God loves us and stays with us even when we are unfaithful to him.
c. I think that we should learn that God is always faithful no matter what. Also, that God gives us trials to test our faith and to prove himself. This week in Church Pastor Ken taught on Daniel and his friends (okay so I can't spell their names :) ) and their trial by diet. I think that God uses trials to prove himself to the others and to prove our faith.
Q2 Chapter 3 Hosea talks about the suffering that is going to happen because of their unfaithfulness. Just like a Godly parent corrects their children God corrects us by allowing us to have go through a time of suffering because of our sin. It is how we come out of the trail that shows where are faith is.
At this point in my life I am going through a really difficult time...a trial. I hope and pray that I come out of it with the evidence that I am a women of faith and that people can see God through me. Please pray for me as I continue to seek Gods guidance in my life.
Hooray for being the first to comment, Grace! Those are some excellent insights!
ReplyDeleteI too think this study is going to be great and I can tell you already, I feel encouraged and challenged by the example of Hosea's life!
I always like to know a little about the time period things take place in the Bible. Knowing these things helps give me a better picture of what was going on.
Here are a few things I got from a book called, "What the Bible is all about" by Dr. Henrietta C. Mears.
-Hosea was a layman and God called him to speak to the ten northern tribes which made up Israel.
-Other prophets that were busy at work during the same period in history were, Amos, Isaiah and Micah.
-Hosea was often called the "Jeremiah" of the northern kingdom.
-During the time of Hosea Rome was being built and Carthage was founded. Also, Siddartha Gautama was introduced to India (I need to research more about this.) and would later five birth to Buddhism.
- 2 Kings chapters 15-17 give a history of the time of Hosea.
For my reflections on the Chapter 1.
a) Hosea was called directly by God. The Bible doesn't clarify, but I sit here wondering how it was that God called Hosea? Was it through a dream or vision? By God's own voice? It doesn't say, but I bet we can rest assure that Hosea knew, without a doubt, that God had called him.
I wonder what Hosea's thoughts were regarding this calling from God? I think he must have felt honor, yet also sit in disbelief as he probably never thought that He would be used in such a significant way.
Chapter 3.
What struck me the most from this chapter was one, Hosea's forgiveness and love toward Gomer. Hosea lawfully did not have to take her back. Two, Hosea had to buy her back, pay a price for her. Three, Hosea rightfully corrected her for her behavior. I think this is a strong example of God's forgiveness and how he buys us back.
Yet, when we have been disobedient we will not go unpunised.
So bear with me as I am sometimes exceptionally blonde. I was so very eager to begin this study that I read without reading carefully and answered questions for study 1 from Hosea 1 and 2 instead of 1 and 3. Amazingly I actually was able to apply a lot even though the questions weren't for those chapters per se! Perhaps there was a greater plan in mind... ;-)
ReplyDelete1a The word "beginning" was so interesting to me in 1:2. Is it fair to assume that this was the first (or one of the first) callings God gave to Hosea? Wow. I am not sure that I would respond well if my first "task" as prophet to God's people was to do something that was considered disgraceful! Reminded me how God uses the humble and often qualifies us by what we are willing to do for Him without doubt.
1b Evidenced from these following verses (1:3, 6; 2:1-2) it appears that Hosea may have only known that his marriage to Gomer was to be a picture of salvation (Hosea means "salvation"... interesting) to God's people. I wonder if Hosea assumed at the time (as I probably would have) that once he had "saved" Gomer (marriage), perhaps this difficult task and picture to God's people was complete. How often do I assume a calling from God may be short lived before I'm onto the next thing...? At the time of Jezreel's birth, it seems Hosea would be thinking that this act of salvation was complete and now things would resume normalacy. What heartbreak to have Gomer return to harlotry after this legitimate son and promising relationship! Ah, but God knew. A reminder to me to not focus on the behavior of others but on the promise of God's calling in my life.
1c I am in a Bible study that my mom is teaching on the "I AMS" of Jesus in John. Last week was our introductory class and she spent the whole time talking about the importance of names and naming in Scripture and throughout the Jewish culture. It was so relevant then to read 2:16-17, 20, 23 and find some very precious names for our God there! God was going to remove the names of Baali from her mouth... "Baali" means "my God" and symbolizes an authority figure. . . and change it to "Ishti" meaning "my husband" symbolizing and relationship title. What a beautiful picture of our redemption. Before Christ our lives are filled with Baalis or idols that we are controlled by--demonstrating authority in our lives, control over us. But when we are redeemed, this strictly controlling figure is translated into a relationship! God wants to be our husbandman... I was so blessed to read this.
-Sarah
Sarah, thanks for the insight of the names! Your info really shed some light! :) I love that "authority" figure to "relationship" figure.
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