1. Quand Israël était enfant je l'ai aimé, d'Egypte j'ai appelé mon fils.
2. Mais plus je les appelais, plus ils se sont détournés; ils ont offert des sacrifices aux Baals, ils ont fait fumer l'encens devant les idoles.
3. C'était moi, pourtant, qui apprenais à marcher à Ephraïm. Je les prenais dans mes bras, mais ils ne voyaient pas que je prenais soin d'eux.
4. Je les menais avec des liens humains, avec des liens d'amour; j'étais pour eux comme celui qui soulève un nourrisson contre sa joue et lui donne à manger.
5. Qu'ils retournent au pays d'Egypte! L'Assyrie régnera sur eux puisqu'ils ont refusé de revenir vers moi.
6. L'épée se déchaînera dans ses villes et exterminera ses enfants; elle dévorera leurs forteresses.
7. Mon peuple est malade de son infidélité; ce n'est pas Baal qui les relèvera s'ils font appel à lui.
8. Comment pourrais-je t'abandonner, Ephraïm, ou te livrer, Israël? Puis-je te traiter comme Adma ou faire de toi ce que j'ai fait de Séboyim? Mon coeur se fond en moi, je suis ému au plus profond de moi-même.
9. Non, je ne laisserai pas déborder ma colère, je ne détruirai pas de nouveau Ephraïm, car je suis Dieu et non pas homme; au milieu de toi je suis le Saint et je ne viendrai pas pour détruire.
10. Ils se mettront à la suite de Yahvé. Il rugira comme un lion et, quand il rugira, ses fils viendront en tremblant de l'occident.
11. Comme un oiseau frémissant ils reviendront d'Assyrie, ce sera un retour d'Egypte. Je ferai qu'ils habitent de nouveau dans leurs maisons - parole de Yahvé.
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 Osée, 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)
