This post by christinecoltman was originally published at GRACE PLACE
A Merciful Love
Hosea 11-13
Hosea exposes our unfaithful hearts and show us how relentlessly God will pursue us, because of how
passionately he loves us! In May we’re looking at chapters 11-13 and they are chunky! As I’ve been studying them, it reminded me of a time about 6 years ago when I baked a 30-layer cake for a cake competition; that’s Hosea in pâtisserie form! Layers are really important so that’s where this study is going to focus. For each chapter we’ll look for all the connections. Jot them down and see how many you come up with. If you’re working on this study with a buddy, see how many of the same you’ve spotted – and why not compare your answers with others in our Captivated Facebook group! There’s nothing like a little healthy competition to motivate us 
Can’t wait to see you on May 19!
Hollie
Read Hosea 11
- Layers: What references can you connect to Hosea 11, from other texts across the Bible?
- How does God describe His relationship with Israel in Hosea 11:1–4?
- What emotions does God express in verses 8-9? What do these reveal about His character?
Read Hosea 12
- Layers: What references can you connect to Hosea 12 from other texts across the Bible?
- Thinking about the historical references you’ve just spotted:
a) how does Hosea use these to confront Israel?
b) why are these significant? - How can remembering God’s faithfulness in the past help us stay grounded today?
Read Hosea 13
- Layers: What references can you connect to Hosea 13 from other texts across the Bible?
- How is Israel portrayed in verses 2, 5 and 6 — how can you relate?
- How is God portrayed in verses 4, 7 and 8 — why is this imagery so intense?
- Hosea 13 ends on a very dark note— how does this set up the hope to come in chapter 14?