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Hosea, 11

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

1. I loved Israel when he was a child; out of Egypt I called my son.

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

2. But the more I have called, the further have they gone from me - sacrificing to the Baals, burning incense to the idols.

3. I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.

3. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; yet little did they realize that it was I who cared for them.

4. I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.

4. I led them with cords of human kindness, with leading strings of love, and I became for them as one who eases the yoke upon their neck and stoops down to feed them.

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

5. If they refuse to return to me, they will have to go back to Egypt and be ruled by an Assyrian king.

6. And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour [them], because of their own counsels.

6. Swords will flash in their cities, slaughtering their sons, putting an end to all their plans.

7. And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt [him].

7. They insist on turning away from me; they cry out because the yoke is upon them and no one lifts it.

8. How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? [how] shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? [how] shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.

8. How can I give you up, Ephraim? Can I abandon you like Admah or make you like Zeboiim? My heart is troubled within me and I am moved with compassion.

9. I will not execute the fierceness of mine 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.

9. I will not give vent to my great anger; I will not return to destroy Ephraim for I am God and not human. I am the Holy One in your midst and I do not want to come to you in anger.

10. They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.

10. You will follow Yahweh when he roars like a lion. When he roars his sons will come trembling from the west;

11. They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria: and I will place them in their houses, saith the LORD.

11. they will come with fear like sparrows from Egypt, like doves from Assyria. For I will bring them to their homes again.

12. Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.

12.



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Footnotes:

11:1-4 - God expresses His love for Israel by comparing them to a son He has called and nurtured. Divine love is unconditional, but Israel, despite being cared for by God, turned away and gave in to idolatry (see also Exodus 4:22-23 and Jeremiah 31:3).

11:5-7 - God's judgment on Israel is inevitable because of their unfaithfulness. God mourns the loss of His people, but divine justice will be served. The people will continue to rebel, but God will not completely give up on their restoration (see also Amos 5:14-15 and Isaiah 5:24).

11:8-9 - God expresses an inner doubt about the judgment against Israel, showing His mercy and desire not to completely destroy His people. He declares that despite the judgment, His compassion will prevail, and Israel will not be completely consumed (see also Jeremiah 31:20 and Isaiah 54:7-8).

11:10-11 - God promises to restore Israel in the future, gathering them back to the promised land. Divine love will be manifested in the restoration of His nation, a reflection of the messianic hope and redemption through Christ (see also Isaiah 11:11-12 and Matthew 23:37-39).

11:12 - The final note on Hosea 11 describes the persistent unfaithfulness of Ephraim and Judah. The reference to Israel's constant rebellion highlights the hardness of the human heart, but also the need for a Savior to bring ultimate restoration (see also Ezekiel 36:22-32 and Matthew 11:28-30).

Verses related to Hosea, 11:

Hosea chapter 11 reveals God's fatherly heart. How does divine love persist despite human rebellion? This moving text recalls God's care for Israel since Egypt, contrasting it with the people's ingratitude. The chapter explores themes such as divine love, paternal discipline, and the tension between justice and mercy. Hosea 11 offers profound insight into God's compassionate character. Ponder with us five biblical passages that illuminate the central themes of this revealing chapter.

Matthew 2:15: "Where he stayed until Herod's death. And thus was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Out of Egypt I called my son'." - This verse directly quotes Hosea 11:1, applying it to Jesus and demonstrating how the NT interprets OT prophecies.

Jeremiah 31:20: "Is not Ephraim my precious son, a child who gives me pleasure? Although I often speak against him, I still remember him. That's why my heart longs for him; I have great compassion on him, declares the Lord."" - This verse echoes the sentiment of Hosea 11:8-9, where God expresses his fatherly love and compassion for his rebellious people.

Luke 15:20: "Then he got up and went to his father. While he was still far away, his father saw him and, full of compassion, ran to his son and hugged and kissed him." - The parable of the prodigal son reflects the theme of Hosea 11, where God, like a loving father, longs for the return of his rebellious children.

Isaiah 31:4: "For thus says the Lord: 'Just as when a lion, even a strong lion, growls at his prey, and even though a multitude of shepherds are summoned against him, their voices do not frighten or intimidate him, so the Lord of hosts will come down to fight on Mount Zion and on its heights'." - This image of God as a protective lion echoes Hosea 11:10, where God roars like a lion to gather his people.

Romans 9:15: "For he says to Moses, 'I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.'" - This verse reflects the theme of God's sovereign mercy seen in Hosea 11:8-9.

FAQ:

Why does God express pain when looking at Israel in Hosea 11?

God expresses pain because, despite having loved and cared for Israel as a son, the people turned away from Him and preferred to worship other gods. (Hosea 11:1-4)

What does God promise to do with Israel in Hosea 11?

God promises to restore Israel, bringing them back from captivity, despite their unfaithfulness. He still desires healing and redemption for Israel. (Hosea 11:10-11)

How is Israel's unfaithfulness described in Hosea 11?

Israel's unfaithfulness is compared to the betrayal of a rebellious son who, despite being loved, chooses to follow wrong paths. (Hosea 11:5-7)

What does Hosea 11 reveal about the nature of God?

Hosea 11 reveals the merciful and loving nature of God, who despite Israel's betrayal, still offers forgiveness and restoration. (Hosea 11:8-9)

How does Hosea chapter 11 illustrate the relationship between God and Israel?

The relationship is compared to a loving father who guides his son, but the son rebels. Despite this, God still shows compassion and a desire to restore. (Hosea 11:1-11)


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