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Hosea 9:7-9

 We read at the beginning of chapter 9 that there were times when God didn't want the people to rejoice. Israel's worship of Baal meant that they were "two-timing" God.
Their songs of praise to God were empty.
But God wasn't just sickened by their compromised worship, verses 7-9 show us another reason why God insists they shouldn't rejoice...


Hosea's marriage to Gomer the prostitute was meant to be a sermon to the nation.
How has the nation of Israel responded to this 'sermon'?


In verses 7-9 who is it that gives the prophet the most hassle?
What does that tell you?
How would you apply that today?


What is "at hand" in verse 7?
What is Hosea supposed to do with that knowledge?


As far as the people are concerned, what's the problem with Hosea's message in verse 7?


What horrific thing happened in Judges 19 and what does Hosea say about the people's behaviour here and now?


In verse 8, what 'role' is Hosea said to be sent as and what does that 'role' entail?


Why is opposition to God's word so terrible?
Why do we need to hear the hard words, and not just the comforting ones?




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