1. Their hearts are like a hot oven (1-7)

God longed to restore Ephraim, but each time he extended his hand of healing to them, their unrepented sins were exposed. The leaders practiced deceit and robbed the people; the hearts of king and people smoldered with passion like a hot oven. The passions of intrigue, deceit and lust smolder unseen for a while; then burst into the flames of violent acts. Four kings of Israel were assassinated during Hosea's lifetime.

2. Ephraim is like a senseless dove (8-16)

Ephraim's only hope was to repent and turn to God. But like a senseless dove, she flitted here and there, looking for help from foreign nations and committing adultery with foreign gods. The people wailed on their beds at night, but still did not call out to God. They would surely be destroyed. Still, God longed to forgive and heal them--if only they would come to him.

Application: Lord, help me not to be like a hot oven or a silly dove. Help me to live according to your word.
One Word: God longs to forgive and heal