Thursday Bible Study

 As Jesus-followers, we have the greatest news in the world! It's no wonder that, in the New Testament, Paul tells us to "rejoice in the Lord always!" (Philippians 4:4) But here in the Old Testament prophet's writings, we read an opposite message... "Do not rejoice, Israel; do not be jubilant like the other nations." (Hosea 9:1) Apparently, celebrating is the last thing God wants the people to do in Hosea's day. Maybe the Israelites were preparing to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (harvest festival) when they receive this message from God... [Read Hosea 9:1-6] Why would God say what He says in verse 1? On what note does this chapter begin? Why is this surprising? What had the people done that compromised their true faith? How does God feel about the people's compromise? What does that tell you about God? What response should that evoke in us? How were they trying to 'hedge their bets'? What does God promise in the following verses; 9:2-3_...

 Last time we saw that this 'eagle' (or 'vulture') is circling above the house of Israel. Why? It's not because the places of worship were empty (see 8:2) It's not because the sacrifices weren't being offered at the altar (see 8:11) A full church and offerings & worship being expressed would seem like a sign of life... but it's actually a sign of death & decay, as far as God is concerned. Read verse 13 and really let the words sink in... This section reveals that the people spoke the words (but there was no goodness in them) and brought their offerings (but there was no change in their behaviour). How do you see this playing out in these verses? How does Hosea 8:14 remind you of Hosea 2:13? There is an obvious link with the words used by the prophet Hosea and the words of Jesus found in Matthew 23:23-28. How does Jesus feel about this kind of religious hypocrisy? Genuine and heart-felt repentance is what God looks for. Not your words, but your li...

 Israel was throwing away their covenant relationship with God, and Hosea knew (from his own broken marriage) how God felt about that kind of abandonment. In previous chapters, Hosea had described the pain, disappointment, and frustration God has borne. Now it's time to feel/experience God's anger... The same Hebrew word that gets translated here (in verse 1) as "eagle" can also be translated as "vulture". How might this alter how you read this opening section? Verses 4-10 talks all about Israel's self-reliance. In verse 4 we read about Israel's choice of kings. How does this speak to this issue of self-reliance? Verses 5-6 talk about Israel's own created state religion. How does this speak to this same issue of self-reliance? In verses 8-9 we read about how Israel sold herself. How does this speak to this issue of self-reliance? What is Israel likened to in verse 9? How does this line up with what we've already seen in both Hosea 4:16 and Ho...