Hosea 11 · Grade 5

I Am God, and Not Man

Name Date

Read and Think

Hosea 11 shows God as a loving parent. When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. Israel's story began with rescue. But they sacrificed to the Baals, and burned incense to engraved images. Yet I taught Ephraim to walk. I took them by their arms, but they didn't know that I healed them.

God's love was gentle and patient: I drew them with cords of a man, with ties of love. He was like one who lifts a heavy yoke and bends down to feed. Still, God said, My people are determined to turn from me. The sword will fall on their cities, because they refused to repent.

Then comes one of the great turns in Scripture. How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? My heart is turned within me, my compassion is aroused. I will not execute the fierceness of my anger. I will not return to destroy Ephraim, for I am God, and not man. God's mercy is greater than human mercy. In the New Testament, Matthew writes: Out of Egypt I called my son (Matthew 2:15).

Show What You Know

How did Israel's story begin?
What did God draw them with?
What would fall on their cities?
Why will God not execute the fierceness of His anger?
In the New Testament, what does Matthew quote?

Crossword

Across

with ties of ____

Down

Yet I taught Ephraim to ____.
like a ____ out of the land of Assyria

Think About It

For I am God, and not man. How is God's mercy greater than human mercy?
God led Israel with cords of love, not chains. How does God draw you to Himself?

Memory Verse

“I will not execute the fierceness of my anger. I will not return to destroy Ephraim, for I am God, and not man—the Holy One among you. I will not come in wrath.”

Hosea 11:9 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for loving me like a child. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

When have you come near to God after drifting?
How has God cared for you?
How could you show God's patient love to someone this week?