1. Israele era giovane e io lo amai e dall'Egitto io chiamai mio figlio.
2. Io li ho chiamati ma essi si sono allontanati da me; hanno sacrificato ai Baal e agli idoli hanno bruciato l'incenso.
3. bMa essi non si sono resi conto che ero io ad aver cura di loro.
4. con legami pieni di umanità li attiravo, con vincoli amorosi; per loro ero come chi leva il giogo dal collo; mi piegavo su di lui per dargli il cibo.
5. Egli ritornerà in terra d'Egitto e Assur sarà il suo re, perché hanno ricusato di tornare a me!
6. La spada porterà il lutto nelle sue città, sterminerà i suoi figli, li divorerà per i loro perversi consigli!
7. Il mio popolo è malato d'infedeltà! Essi invocano Baal, ma costui non li rialzerà!
8. Come ti posso abbandonare, Efraim, lasciarti in balìa di altri, Israele? Come posso trattarti come Admà, considerarti come Zeboìm? Si sconvolge dentro di me il mio cuore e le mie viscere si riscaldano tutte.
9. Non sfogherò il bollore della mia ira, non distruggerò più Efraim, perché io sono Dio e non un uomo, sono il Santo in mezzo a te che non ama distruggere!
10. Essi seguiranno il Signore; egli ruggirà come un leone; sì, egli ruggirà e accorreranno i figli dall'occidente.
11. Accorreranno come un uccello dall'Egitto e come una colomba dal paese d'Assiria e li farò abitare nelle loro case. Oracolo del Signore.
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 Osea, 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)
