Hosea 11:4-12

4 I led them with cords of human kindness, with ropes of love. I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down and fed them.

5 "The Israelites will become captives again, as they were in Egypt, and Assyria will become their king, because they refuse to turn back to God.

6 War will sweep through their cities and will destroy them and kill them because of their wicked plans.

7 My people have made up their minds to turn away from me. The prophets call them to turn to me, but none of them honors me at all.

8 "Israel, how can I give you up? How can I give you away, Israel? or treat you like Zeboiim. My heart beats for you, and my love for you stirs up my pity.

9 I won't punish you in my anger, and I won't destroy Israel again. I am God and not a human; I am the Holy One, and I am among you. I will not come against you in anger.

10 They will go after the Lord, and he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will hurry to him from the west.

11 They will come swiftly like birds from Egypt and like doves from Assyria. I will settle them again in their homes," says the Lord.

12 Israel has surrounded me with lies; the people have made evil plans. And Judah turns against God, the faithful Holy One.

Hosea 11:4-12 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.