Hosea 8
1“Put the trumpet to your lips!An eagle is over the house of the Lordbecause the people have broken my covenantand rebelled against my law. 2Israel cries out to me,‘Our God, we acknowledge you!’ 3But Israel has rejected what is good;an enemy will pursue him. 4They set up kings without my consent;they choose princes without my approval.With their silver and goldthey make idols for themselvesto their own destruction. 5Samaria, throw out your calf-idol!My anger burns against them.How long will they be incapable of purity? 6They are from Israel!This calf—a metalworker has made it;it is not God.It will be broken in pieces,that calf of Samaria. 7“They sow the windand reap the whirlwind.The stalk has no head;it will produce no flour.Were it to yield grain,foreigners would swallow it up. 8Israel is swallowed up;now she is among the nationslike something no one wants. 9For they have gone up to Assyrialike a wild donkey wandering alone.Ephraim has sold herself to lovers. 10Although they have sold themselves among the nations,I will now gather them together.They will begin to waste awayunder the oppression of the mighty king. 11“Though Ephraim built many altars for sin offerings,these have become altars for sinning. 12I wrote for them the many things of my law,but they regarded them as something foreign. 13Though they offer sacrifices as gifts to me,and though they eat the meat,the Lord is not pleased with them.Now he will remember their wickednessand punish their sins:They will return to Egypt. 14Israel has forgotten their Makerand built palaces;Judah has fortified many towns.But I will send fire on their citiesthat will consume their fortresses.”
Study Context for Hosea 8
As you study Hosea 8, keep in mind the overarching themes of this old testament book: Unfaithfulness, Love, Restoration. Observe how the specific events or teachings in this chapter contribute to the book's broader message.
UnfaithfulnessLoveRestoration
Observation: What does Hosea 8 reveal about the character and nature of God? What does it reveal about humanity?
Application: How does the truth presented in this chapter change how you should live, think, or pray today?
Study introductions and prompts are supplementary aids, not Scripture. They do not replace prayerful reading, the authority of Scripture, a faithful local church, or pastoral care.
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