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EXPLORE THE BIBLE: (15–20 minutes)
1 - Read the scripture, skipping 2:1-15 if you want to.
Do a mini-lecture for the class, explaining the following points:
• Prostitution has two meanings in this story. The Pagan religion the Israelites were tempted to practice was a religion where people performed prostitution to please a god called Baal. The second meaning of prostitution is that it symbolizes a spiritual unfaithfulness that breaks God’s heart.
• The names are very symbolic in this story. The word lo means “not.” The word ruhamah means “pitied.” The word ammi means “my people.” So two of the children of Gomer and Hosea were named Not Pitied and Not My People—symbolic of God’s frustration with the Israelites. But notice what happens in chapter 2,.verse 1—the names are changed! They are now “My People” and “Pitied.” This is symbolic of God’s unconditional and unending love.
• God uses a pun in verse 16. The word “Baal” can mean god, master, lord or husband. Ask class to read the verse and explain what it means when God says “You will call me ‘my husband’ but no longer will you call me ‘My Baal’”
2 - Divide class into two groups. One group goes through the passage and picks out all of the verses that show God’s anger or rejection of the people because of their “prostitution.” The other group picks out all of the verses that show God’s mercy to the people. Report on their findings.
3 - Ask students to stand up and move based on the following statement: If you think God hates evil and sin, go to the left side of the room, and if you think God loves sinners, go to the right side of the room. Discuss—was it hard to know where to go? Why? Can you understand God as a rejected husband? What’s good about this understanding? What is potentially dangerous about this understanding? (We abuse God’s mercy.)
Continued...
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