Hosea 11:1-11

1 "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt.

2 The more I called them, the farther they went away. They sacrificed to other gods--the Baals, and they burned incense to idols.

3 I was the one who taught the people of Ephraim to walk. I took them by the hand. But they didn't realize that I had healed them.

4 I led them with cords of human kindness, with ropes of love. I removed the yokes from their necks. I bent down and fed them.

5 "They will not return to Egypt. Instead, Assyria will rule them because they have refused to return to me.

6 War will sweep through their cities, demolish their city gates, and put an end to their plans.

7 My people are determined to turn away from me. Even if they call to the Most High, he will not pardon 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 treat you like Zeboim? I have changed my mind. I am deeply moved.

9 I will not act on my burning anger. I will not destroy Ephraim again. I am God, not a human. I am the Holy One among you, and I will not come to you in anger.

10 "My people will follow me when I roar like a lion. When I roar, my children will come trembling from the west.

11 They will come trembling like birds from Egypt and like doves from Assyria. I will settle them in their own homes," declares the LORD.

Hosea 11:1-11 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.