Hosea 11:1-11

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

2 As they called them, so they went from them; they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.

3 Even with all this I guided the feet of this same Ephraim, taking them by their arms; but they did not know that I cared for them.

4 I drew them with human cords, with bands of love, and I was to them as those that raise the yoke from upon their cheeks, and I fed them.

5 He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king because they refused to be converted.

6 And the sword shall fall upon his cities and shall consume his villages and devour them because of their own counsels.

7 Meanwhile, my people adhere to the rebellion against me though they call unto me upon High; absolutely none at all wish to exalt me.

8 How must I leave thee, Ephraim? how shall I give thee up, Israel? how could I make thee as Admah? nor set thee as Zeboim? my heart churns within me; all my compassion is inflamed.

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 thee; and I will not enter into the city.

10 They shall walk after the LORD; he shall roar like a lion; when he shall roar, then the sons shall come trembling from the west.

11 As a bird they shall move speedily out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will place them in their houses, saith 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.