1 "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. 2 They called to them, so they went from them. They sacrificed to the Baals, and burned incense to engraved images. 3 Yet I taught Ephraim to walk. I took them by his arms; but they didn't know that I healed them. 4 I drew them with cords of a man, with ties of love; and I was to them like those who lift up the yoke on their necks; and I bent down to him and I fed him. 5 "They won't return into the land of Egypt; but the Assyrian will be their king, because they refused to repent. 6 The sword will fall on their cities, and will destroy the bars of their gates, and will put an end to their plans. 7 My people are determined to turn from me. Though they call to the Most High, he certainly won't exalt them. 8 "How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within me, my compassion is aroused. 9 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 in the midst of you; and I will not come in wrath. 10 They will walk after Yahweh, who will roar like a lion; for he will roar, and the children will come trembling from the west. 11 They will come trembling like a bird out of Egypt, and like a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will settle them in their houses," says Yahweh. 12 Ephraim surrounds me with falsehood, and the house of Israel with deceit. Judah still strays from God, and is unfaithful to the Holy One.
This chapter gives a very pathetic representation of God's tender and affectionate regard for Israel, by metaphors chiefly borrowed from the conduct of mothers toward their tender offspring. From this, occasion is taken to reflect on their ungrateful return to the Divine goodness, and to denounce against them the judgments of the Almighty, Hosea 11:1-7. But suddenly and unexpectedly the prospect changes. Beams of mercy break frown the clouds just now fraught with vengeance. God, to speak in the language of men, feels the relentings of a tender parent; his bowels yearn; his mercy triumphs; his rebellious child shall yet be pardoned. As the lion of the tribe of Judah, he will employ his power to save his people, he will call his children from the land of their captivity; and, as doves, they will fly to him, a faithful and a holy people, Hosea 11:8-12.
INTRODUCTION TO HOSEA 11
This chapter gives an account of the free and ancient love of God to Israel, and of the benefits and blessings of goodness he bestowed upon them; and of their ingratitude in not owning them, nor hearkening to his prophets, but sacrificing and burning incense to idols, Hosea 11:1; wherefore they are threatened with disappointment of relief from Egypt, with captivity into Assyria, and with the ravages of the sword in all places, being a people bent to backsliding, and incorrigible, Hosea 11:5; and yet, notwithstanding all this, the bowels of the Lord yearn after them, and promises of mercy are made to them; that they shall not utterly be destroyed, but a remnant shall be spared; which in the latter day shall be called and follow after the Lord, the King Messiah, and be returned from their captivity, and be resettled in their own land, and replaced in their own houses, Hosea 11:8; the chapter is concluded with an honourable character of Judah, Hosea 11:12.
(Hosea 11:1-7) God's regard for Israel; their ingratitude.
(Hosea 11:8-12) The Divine mercy yet in store.
*More commentary available by clicking individual verses.