Osea 11:1-4

1 Quando Israele era fanciullo, io l’amai, e fin dall’Egitto, chiamai il mio figliuolo.

2 Egli è stato chiamato, ma s’è allontanato da chi lo chiamava; hanno sacrificato ai Baali, hanno offerto profumi a immagini scolpite!

3 Son io che insegnai ad Efraim a camminare, sorreggendolo per le braccia; ma essi non hanno riconosciuto ch’io cercavo di guarirli.

4 Io li attiravo con corde umane, con legami d’amore; ero per loro come chi sollevasse il giogo d’in su le loro mascelle, e porgevo loro dolcemente da mangiare.

Osea 11:1-4 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.