Old Testament OverviewSample

Hosea is one of the more straightforward prophetic books and he is the only pre-exile prophet to be covered in this overview.

The prophets were covenant enforcement mediators: they would remind Israel of God's covenants and of the consequences for failing to uphold their responsibilities. Israel and Judah would ultimately go into exile because of their failure to keep the Mosaic Covenant.

The prophets always concluded their messages with hope based on God's faithfulness: once Israel repented and bore the consequences of their rebellion, they would be restored to their land. The basis for God's faithfulness are His promises in the Abrahamic Covenant.

After reading the passage use these questions as the basis for your discussion.

1. What stood out for you / what was interesting and why? (The Holy Spirit’s prompting)

2. What was the passage about / the main message / big idea? (The Word of God)

3. What should we do / how can we apply this message? (Faith in Action)

Remember that 'Old Covenant' refers to the covenant with Israel through Moses (Mosaic Covenant), summarised in the 10 Commandments.