Unfaithful People, Unfailing Love
A Study Guide for Seeing God’s Mercy Through Judgment
1. Introduction: A Prophet’s Painful Assignment
Hosea is called by God to marry Gomer, a woman who would be unfaithful to him—symbolizing Israel’s spiritual adultery.
The book is both biography and prophecy: a real relationship used to mirror God’s relationship with His people.
Written during a time of political instability and spiritual decline in Israel (around 750–715 BC).
Reflection: Hosea’s story shows that God doesn’t just speak judgment—He feels betrayal. But He also pursues.
2. Hosea and Gomer: A Living Parable (Hosea 1–3)
Hosea marries Gomer; they have children with symbolic names: Jezreel (judgment), Lo-Ruhamah (no mercy), and Lo-Ammi (not my people).
Gomer leaves him, chasing other lovers—just like Israel chased other gods.
Hosea redeems her from slavery, showing that love pays the price to restore what’s been lost (Hosea 3).
Takeaway: God’s love doesn’t give up. Even when we run, He’s willing to buy us back.
3. God’s Case Against Israel (Hosea 4–7)
Israel is full of idolatry, pride, violence, and religious hypocrisy.
Priests are corrupt, and people have forgotten God.
God’s heart is grieved—He longs for love, not empty rituals (Hosea 6:6).
Lesson: Religion without relationship is meaningless. God desires mercy, not performance.
4. Warnings of Judgment (Hosea 8–10)
Israel sows the wind and reaps the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7).
Trusting in idols and alliances instead of God will lead to destruction.
Their hearts are divided, and they call on God only when desperate.
Truth: A divided heart can’t truly follow God. Judgment comes not out of hatred—but out of broken love.
5. God’s Heart Revealed (Hosea 11)
One of the most tender chapters in the Bible—God recounts raising Israel like a child.
Even though they turn from Him, He says, “How can I give you up?” (Hosea 11:8).
His love is not like human love—He is holy and compassionate.
Encouragement: God’s love doesn’t disappear when we sin—it calls us home.
6. Return and Restoration (Hosea 12–14)
God calls Israel to repent and return to Him.
They’re reminded of their history—of Jacob’s struggles and God’s faithfulness.
In chapter 14, God promises healing, forgiveness, and fruitfulness if they turn back.
Hope: No matter how far you’ve strayed, restoration is always possible with repentance.
7. Key Verses to Memorize or Meditate On
Hosea 3:1 – “Go again, love a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress…”
Hosea 6:6 – “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”
Hosea 8:7 – “For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.”
Hosea 11:8 – “How can I give you up, O Ephraim?… My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender.”
Hosea 14:4 – “I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely…”
8. Questions for Discussion or Journaling
What does Hosea’s marriage teach us about God’s love for unfaithful people?
In what ways do people today “run after other lovers” like Israel did?
Why does God care more about love and mercy than sacrifice and ritual?
How do we sometimes treat God as a last resort rather than our first love?
Have you ever experienced God calling you back after wandering away?
What does true repentance look like according to Hosea 14?