Hosea 11:1-9

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

2 They called to them, so they went from them. They sacrificed to the Baals, And burned incense to engraved images.

3 Yet I taught Ephraim to walk. I took them by his arms; But they didn't know that I healed them.

4 I drew them with cords of a man, with ties of love; And I was to them like those who lift up the yoke on their necks; And I bent down to him and I fed him.

5 They will not return into the land of Egypt; But the Assyrian will be their king, Because they refused to repent.

6 The sword will fall on their cities, And will consume their gate bars, And will put an end to their plans.

7 My people are determined to turn from me. Though they call to the Most High, He certainly won't exalt 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 make you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within me, My compassion is aroused.

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 you; And I will not come in wrath.

Hosea 11:1-9 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.