Hosea 11

The Lord's Love for Israel

1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.[a]
2 [The more] they[b] called them,[c] [the more] they[d] departed from Me.[e] They kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to idols.
3 It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them[f] in My arms, but they never knew that I healed them.[g]
4 I led them with human cords, with ropes of kindness. To them I was like one who eases the yoke from their jaws;[h] I bent down to give them food.
5 Israel will not return to the land of Egypt and Assyria will be his king, because they refused to repent.
6 A sword will whirl through his cities; it will destroy and devour the bars of his gates,[i] because of their schemes.
7 My people are bent on turning from Me. Though they call to Him on high, He will not exalt them at all.
8 How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I surrender you, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim?[j] I have had a change of heart; My compassion is stirred!
9 I will not vent the full fury of My anger; I will not turn back to destroy Ephraim. For I am God and not man, the Holy One among you; I will not come in rage.[k]
10 They will follow the Lord; He will roar like a lion. When He roars, His children will come trembling from the west.
11 They will be roused like birds from Egypt and like doves from the land of Assyria. Then I will settle them in their homes. [This is]*The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the Lord's declaration.
12 [l] Ephraim surrounds me with lies, the house of Israel, with deceit. Judah still wanders with El[m] and is faithful to holy ones.[n][o]

Footnotes 15

Hosea 11 Commentaries

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