Hosea 11:3-12

3 Yet I was the one who taught Israel to walk. I took my people up in my arms, but they did not acknowledge that I took care of them.

4 I drew them to me with affection and love. I picked them up and held them to my cheek; I bent down to them and fed them.

5 "They refuse to return to me, and so they must return to Egypt, and Assyria will rule them.

6 War will sweep through their cities and break down the city gates. It will destroy my people because they do what they themselves think best.

7 They insist on turning away from me. They will cry out because of the yoke that is on them, but no one will lift it from them.

8 "How can I give you up, Israel? ¹ How can I abandon you? Could I ever destroy you as I did Admah, or treat you as I did Zeboiim? My heart will not let me do it! My love for you is too strong.

9 I will not punish you in my anger; I will not destroy Israel again. For I am God and not a mere human being. I, the Holy One, am with you. I will not come to you in anger.

10 "My people will follow me when I roar like a lion at their enemies. They will hurry to me from the west.

11 They will come from Egypt, as swiftly as birds, and from Assyria, like doves. I will bring them to their homes again. I, the Lord, have spoken."

12 The Lord says, "The people of Israel have surrounded me with lies and deceit, and the people of Judah are still rebelling against me, the faithful and holy God.

Hosea 11:3-12 Meaning and Commentary

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, Ho 11:1-4; 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, Ho 11:5-7; 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, Ho 11:8-11; the chapter is concluded with an honourable character of Judah, Ho 11:12.

Cross References

• 1. 11.8Deuteronomy 29.23.

Footnotes

• [a]. [One ancient translation] I . . . my arms; [Hebrew] He . . . his arms.
• [b]. [Verse 4 in Hebrew is unclear.]
• [c]. [Verse 7 in Hebrew is unclear.]