Hosea: A 12-Week Study

Knowing the Bible

by Lydia Brownback, Lane T. Dennis (Series Editor), Dane C. Ortlund (Series Editor)

"A tremendous resource for those wanting to study and teach the Bible with an understanding of how the gospel is woven throughout Scripture." ―Bryan Chapell, Pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church The Knowing the Bible series is a resource designed to help Bible readers better understand and apply God’s Word. These 12-week studies lead participants through books of the Bible and are made up of four basic (1) reflection questions help readers engage the text at a deeper level; (2) “Gospel Glimpses” highlight the gospel of grace throughout the book; (3) “Whole-Bible Connections” show how any given passage connects to the Bible’s overarching story of redemption, culminating in Christ; and (4) “Theological Soundings” identify how historic orthodox doctrines are taught or reinforced throughout Scripture. With contributions from an array of influential pastors and church leaders, these gospel-centered studies will help Christians see and cherish the message of God’s grace on every page of the Bible. The story of Hosea and Gomer parallels the relationship between God and ancient Israel, helping readers understand the extent of God’s redeeming love for his people. This accessible study walks readers through the biographical and symbolic elements of the book of Hosea, revealing God’s desire to lovingly restore his people to a right relationship with him through Jesus Christ.

Genres: Christian, Theology

96 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2016

About the author

Lydia Brownback (MAR, Westminster Theological Seminary) serves as a senior editor at Crossway in Wheaton, Illinois, and an author and speaker at women’s conferences around the world. Lydia previously served as writer in residence for Alistair Begg and as producer of the Bible Study Hour radio program with James Montgomery Boice.

Reviews

[Ryanne Molinari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series. Some of the questions could have been worded better but the cross references and explanations are wonderful. Great study for our church!

[Anna Barroso · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a study that I did with the women in my church. As far as inductive studies go, it wasn’t my favorite, but it also wasn’t a bad study. There were questions that made me think and reflect on the gospel, which is always good, but it didn’t dive into studying the text like I would’ve preferred. Overall, I think it was a good middle-of-the-road study for those who enjoy doing the inductive method.

[Brandi Breezee · Rating 3 out of 5]

These 12 week study guides are a good resource to aid one’s own study of books of the Bible. It’s not really a commentary. It serves as a tool to help see the big picture, gospel glimpses, whole Bible connections, and theological soundings.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful as a basic introduction to Hosea

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read.

A fantastic short read on the book of Hosea. Easily readable, with wonderful jams in each section. I will look forward to reading additional entries in the series.

[Christi Wood · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the easiest study to follow. Very poorly written/edited. One must really love (Hebrew) poetry to fully understand.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Accurate, but dry. I don’t love the format.

[Lynnette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had difficulty understanding the lengthy, wordy questions--they required me to reread the questions several times. The ESV Bible that corresponds (with the "answers") is a big benefit to finding the answers which I felt were not always obvious. Some of the questions are based on the footnotes of the companion Bible and presuppose those are the answers instead of just digging into scripture for the answers.

I probably will not use this series again. I realize Hosea may be a more difficult book so I might reconsider a different study in this series at some future time but for now I'm a solid "nope."