Session 10 Hosea 14:1-9

TRUE FORGIVENESS (HOSEA 14:4-7)

the promise of restoration.

4 I will heal their apostasy;
I will freely love them,
for my anger will have turned from him.
5 I will be like the dew to Israel;
he will blossom like the lily
and take root like the cedars of Lebanon.

6 His new branches will spread, and his splendor will be like the olive tree,
his fragrance, like the forest of Lebanon.
7 The people will return and live beneath his shade.
They will grow grain and blossom like the vine.
His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon.

HIGHLIGHT:

Draw attention to the nature references in this passage.

• dew, blossom, lillies,
• take root, cedars,
• shoots sprout, olive tree, cedar
• raise grain, blossom,

RELATE:

Hosea painted a picture of God freely loving and forgiving His people,
a fresh beginning with new branches and security.

A summary statement, explaining Hosea’s point in verses 4-7.

Israel would be right with God, and God would unselfishly pour His love upon His people again.

Allow students to add to or propose an alternate summary statement.

DISCUSS:

• How should God’s promise of love and forgiveness motivate us to repent and turn to Him? (p. 87)

TRANSITION:

Hosea declared that God awaited an answer.
The wise person would consider the message of Hosea and walk in God’s ways.