1 When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son.
2 The more they were called, the more they went away; they kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to idols.
3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk;
I took them up by their arms,
but they did not know that I healed them.
4 I led them with cords of kindness,
with the bands of love,
and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws,
and I bent down to them and fed them.
5 They shall not return to the land of Egypt,
but Assyria shall be their king,
because they have refused to return to me.
6 The sword shall rage against their cities, consume the bars of their gates, and devour them because of their own counsels.
7 My people are bent on turning away from me, and though they call out to the Most High, he shall not raise them up at all.
8 How can I give you up, O Ephraim?
How can I hand you over, O Israel?
How can I make you like Admah?
How can I treat you like Zeboiim?
My heart recoils within me;
my compassion grows warm and tender.
9 I will not execute my burning anger;
I will not again destroy Ephraim;
for I am God and not a man,
the Holy One in your midst,
and I will not come in wrath.
10 They shall go after the Lord; he will roar like a lion; when he roars, his children shall come trembling from the west;
11 They shall come trembling like birds from Egypt,
and like doves from the land of Assyria,
and I will return them to their homes, declares the Lord.
12 Ephraim has surrounded me with lies,
and the house of Israel with deceit,
but Judah still walks with God
and is faithful to the Holy One.
The True Meaning of Hosea 11
The book of Hosea was written by the prophet Hosea, who lived in the northern kingdom of Israel during the 8th century BC. Hosea was a contemporary of the prophets Amos and Isaiah, and his message was directed towards the people of Israel, warning them of the impending judgment of God due to their persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness. Hosea reflects on God’s love and compassion for his people, even in the face of their rebellion in this chapter. The chapter begins with a tender portrayal of God’s fatherly care for Israel, likening their relationship to that of a parent and child. However, the chapter also foreshadows the consequences of Israel’s disobedience, as Hosea warns of the impending judgment that will come upon them. This passage echoes the themes of love, judgment, and the need for repentance that are woven throughout the book of Hosea. Hosea’s message reminds us of the depth of God’s love and the importance of responding to that love with faithful obedience as we delve into this chapter, speaking to the heart of the human condition. The events described in this passage will also shed light on the broader historical and spiritual context of the time, helping us to better understand the challenges faced by the people of Israel and the urgency of Hosea’s prophetic call.
Hosea 11:1-4
The prophet Hosea in Hosea 11:1-4 speaks on behalf of God to express the divine love and care for the nation of Israel. The verse reads, “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. But the more they were called, the more they went away from me. They sacrificed to the Baals and they burned incense to images. It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them. Hosea refers to the time when Israel was in its infancy as a nation, coming out of Egypt after the Exodus in the first section. Here, God speaks of the tender love and care He had for Israel, likening the nation to a beloved child. This imagery reflects the covenant relationship between God and the people of Israel; God, like a parent, was nurturing, protective, and guiding His chosen people as they journeyed through the wilderness. This reference to the Exodus also serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in delivering His people from bondage in Egypt, highlighting His love and sovereignty over Israel’s history. The tone shifts to one of disappointment and betrayal as we move into the next section. Despite God’s constant love and calling, the people of Israel continued to turn away from Him, engaging in idolatry and worshiping false gods like the Baals. This underscores the recurring theme in the Bible of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God, choosing to forsake the true God for idols made by human hands. The imagery of sacrifice and burning incense to images reflects the idolatrous practices that were rampant among the Israelites, leading them astray from their relationship with God.
Further on, Hosea portrays God as a caregiver who lovingly nurtured Israel, teaching them to walk, healing them, and leading them with cords of kindness and ties of love. Despite Israel’s waywardness, God did not give up on His people but continued to show patience, mercy, and compassion towards them. This depiction of God’s unwavering love and care serves as a poignant reminder of His enduring grace even in the face of rebellion and disobedience. The story of Israel’s relationship with God in the wider context of the Bible reflects humanity’s ongoing struggle with sin and the consequences of turning away from God. Just as Israel repeatedly strayed from the Lord despite His love and faithfulness, individuals and communities continue to face the same temptation to prioritize worldly desires over their relationship with God. This passage in Hosea serves as a powerful reminder of God’s constant pursuit of His people, His grace in the midst of human failure, and the call to repentance and reconciliation with Him.
Hosea 11:5-7
The passage in Hosea 11:5-7 reads: “Because they have refused to return to me, the Assyrian shall be their king, and they shall not return to the land of Egypt.” The sword shall rage against their cities, consume the bars of their gates, and devour them because of their own counsels. My people are bent on turning away from me, and though they call out to the Most High, he shall not raise them up at all.”
Let’s break this verse down:
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“They shall not return to the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be their king, because they have refused to return to me.” Here, it is important to understand the historical context. The people of Israel were being warned by Hosea that they would not find refuge in Egypt, a common place of seeking help in times of trouble, but that they would be under the rule of Assyria. This was a consequence of their disobedience and refusal to return to God. The choice of Assyria as a ruling power would bring about suffering and captivity due to their continued rebellion against God. This serves as a strong reminder that turning away from God leads to undesirable consequences.
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“The sword shall rage against their cities, consume the bars of their gates, and devour them because of their own counsels.” This verse conveys the idea of destruction and calamity that would befall the Israelites because of their own misguided decisions and plans. The imagery of the sword raging against their cities signifies the impending invasion and warfare that would bring devastation upon them. The mention of the bars of their gates being consumed highlights the vulnerability and lack of protection they would face as a result of their actions. It serves as a cautionary tale of the destructive power of sin and the importance of seeking God’s guidance in all things.
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“My people are bent on turning away from me, and though they call out to the Most High, he shall not raise them up at all.” This passage reflects the heartbreak of God towards His people’s persistent rejection of Him. Despite their outward cries for help, their hearts remained hardened and distant from God. The consequence of their continuous turning away from God was that He would not come to their aid when they called out to Him. It emphasizes the principle of genuine repentance and the need for a sincere turning back to God in order to receive His mercy and intervention. God’s lament over His people’s unfaithfulness and His impending judgment upon them is part of the broader context of Hosea. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and devotion to God. This passage resonates throughout the Bible, emphasizing the consistent message that rebellion against God leads to destruction and suffering, while repentance and obedience bring about restoration and blessings. It underscores the enduring truth that God’s desire is for His people to return to Him wholeheartedly, and that He is always ready to forgive and restore those who seek Him with sincerity (Jeremiah 29:13, James 4:8).
Hosea 11:8-11
Hosea 11:8-11 says, “How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboyim? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused. I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I devastate Ephraim again. For I am God, and not a man— the Holy One among you. I will not come against their cities. They will follow the Lord; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west. They will come from Egypt, trembling like sparrows, from Assyria, fluttering like doves. I will settle them in their homes,” declares the Lord. God expresses His deep compassion and struggle with the idea of giving up on His people, represented by Ephraim and Israel in the first part of this passage. The references to Admah and Zeboiim harken back to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, emphasizing the severity of the judgement that could befall Israel. Despite their continuous disobedience and unfaithfulness, God’s heart is filled with compassion, and He chooses not to fully execute His fierce anger upon them. This showcases God’s unfailing love and mercy towards His chosen people, even in the face of their rebellion.
The emphasis on God not being like a human, but being the Holy One, highlights His divine nature and transcendence above human limitations. Unlike mankind who may act out of wrath or vengeance, God’s actions are motivated by His holiness and love. This serves as a reminder to the Israelites and all believers that God’s ways are higher and His mercy knows no bounds.
The imagery of God roaring like a lion and His children, representing the repentant Israelites, trembling and returning to Him from the west, Egypt, and Assyria, signifies a restoration and gathering of God’s people from all corners of the earth. This echoes the theme of redemption and reconciliation found throughout the Bible, where God’s ultimate plan is to restore His relationship with His people despite their waywardness. It reflects God’s faithfulness in bringing back those who have strayed, demonstrating His enduring grace and desire for reconciliation. Hosea 11:8-11 reveals the depth of God’s love, mercy, and faithfulness towards His people, despite their continuous rebellion. It conveys a powerful message of redemption, restoration, and the unchanging nature of God’s character. This passage serves as a timeless reminder of God’s relentless pursuit of His people and His desire for reconciliation with all who turn back to Him.
Hosea 11:12
The verse in Hosea 11:12 states, “Ephraim surrounds me with lies, the house of Israel with deceit.” And Judah is unruly against God, even against the faithful Holy One.” This verse is part of the book of Hosea and reflects the prophet’s message of judgment and rebuke towards the nation of Israel for their faithlessness and sin.
The first part of the verse focuses on Ephraim, which is often used as a symbolic term for the northern kingdom of Israel. It highlights the pervasive nature of deception and lies that has surrounded the nation. This deceitful behavior indicates a departure from God’s truth and a turning towards wickedness. Throughout the book of Hosea, the prophet highlights how the people of Israel have strayed from the path of righteousness and have indulged in idolatry and dishonest practices.
The mention of Judah in the latter part of the verse serves to contrast the behavior of the southern kingdom with that of the northern kingdom. While Judah is typically portrayed as being more faithful to God compared to Israel, in this context, even Judah is portrayed as being unruly and disobedient towards God. This demonstrates the widespread nature of sin and rebellion that had infected both kingdoms.
The verse conveys a sense of disappointment and sorrow on God’s part towards His people who have turned away from Him and have chosen to follow their own selfish desires. Despite God’s faithfulness and love towards Israel, they have continuously rebelled against Him, leading to consequences for their actions.
The timeless message conveyed in this verse is the importance of truthfulness, faithfulness, and obedience to God. It serves as a reminder that deceit and rebellion lead to spiritual destruction and separation from God. Throughout the Bible, the theme of faithfulness and obedience to God is emphasized, and those who turn away from Him often face consequences for their actions. The verse in the broader context of the book of Hosea is part of the prophet’s call for repentance and restoration. Despite the judgment pronounced on Israel and Judah for their sins, God’s ultimate desire is for reconciliation and forgiveness. Hosea serves as a powerful reminder of God’s love and faithfulness towards His people, even in the face of their unfaithfulness.
After Hosea 11
The Lord had shown great compassion and love for his people, Israel, like a father caring for his child. Yet, they had turned away from him, worshipping false idols and rejecting his guidance. Though grieved, the Lord declared he would not destroy them, for he is God and not a mere mortal. His love and mercy would prevail, for he desired to restore his people and draw them back to himself. The Lord will continue to plead with his people, calling them to return to him as we move into the next chapter. Despite their unfaithfulness, his love remained steadfast, and he sought to win back their hearts. Now let us turn our attention to the powerful message that unfolds in the following chapter.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.