Hosea 11:1-7

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

2 As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto the Baals, and burned incense to graven images.

3 And I it was that taught Ephraim to walk, -- He took them upon his arms, -- but they knew not that I healed them.

4 I drew them with bands of a man, with cords of love; and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I gently caused them to eat.

5 He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king; for they refused to return [to me];

6 and the sword shall turn about in his cities, and shall consume his bars, and devour [them], because of their own counsels.

7 Yea, my people are bent upon backsliding from me: though they call them to the Most High, none at all exalteth [him].

Hosea 11:1-7 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. See ver. 7, i.e. the prophets called.
• [b]. Or 'branches.'