Hosea 11-14

Notes from Bible Study with Pastor Terry Gray.


God's love for Israel


Hosea 11:1-4
God reminisces how He brought them up




Hosea 11:8-11
Despite how Israel has turned its back on God, God will not destroy Israel because of the covenant he has made with Abraham. God keeps His promises.


722 BC
The Israelites were scattered


1948 
The Israelite nation was restored


There is not one nation in the world where it was without roots for thousands of years and then manage to maintain their culture and identity and religion throughout the time! 


But, Israel did.


Israel is back in its land today, and it is a state. However, though the nation is restored, Israelites are still not restored in God. But, they will be. During the Tribulation, there will be a great revival in the Jewish community. Jesus would restore them.




Hosea 12


The Northern Kingdom was finding security in worldly alliances with the Assyrians and Egyptians when they should be remembering the faithfulness of their Lord.


- God saved the Israelites from the bondage of Egyptians


- God parted the Red Sea God brought them to the Promised Land God broke down the walls of Jericho


- God gave them victory under Joshua


- God gave them prosperity through Kings David and Soloman


Instead of realizing the strength of God and rest their full faith in God, they chose instead to depend on men. How unwise! And, look what happened. Assyria was the one who overtook the Northern Kingdom.




Hosea 12:2-6
Jacob was dependent on himself. He conned to get Essau's birth right, conned to receive Essau's blessings. He even tried to come out of the womb first by grabbing onto Essau's heel during birth. However, Jacob eventually returned to God (Genesis 32:22-32). Jacob's new name, Israel,  means "governed by God."




Hosea 13
Like the younger Jacob, the nation of Israel has become self-reliant. However, Israel has yet to return to God. Oh, but they will (Revelation 14). Just like Jacob fought hard with the angel before returning to God, Israel would also go through many trials before they willing turn back to God.




Hosea 14
The Israelites were blessed and prospered under God, and when they stood on their two feet because of God's blessings, they became proud and forgot about God. They got so bold, they believed they could do just fine without God, that all their success was their own.


God is our shelter. He gave us EVERYTHING. Don't be ungrateful. Don't stray away.