Hosea 11:1-6

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

2 But the more I called to him, the more he turned away from me. My people sacrificed to Baal; they burned incense to idols.

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.

Hosea 11:1-6 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. 11.1Exodus 4.22;Matthew 2.15.

Footnotes

• [a]. him, and called him . . . son; [or] him; from the time he left Egypt I have called him my son.
• [b]. [One ancient translation] I; [Hebrew] they.
• [c]. [One ancient translation] me; [Hebrew] them.
• [d]. [One ancient translation] I . . . my arms; [Hebrew] He . . . his arms.
• [e]. [Verse 4 in Hebrew is unclear.]