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Hosea Chapter 11 (JPS)

minutes - words.
Hosea 11 - God's Fatherly Love for Israel
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1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.

2 The more they called them, the more they went from them; they sacrificed unto the Baalim, and offered to graven images.

3 And I, I taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed 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 fed them gently.

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

6 And the sword shall fall upon his cities, and shall consume his bars, and devour them, because of their own counsels.

7 And My people are in suspense about returning to Me; and though they call them upwards, none at all will lift himself up.

8 How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? How shall I surrender thee, Israel? How shall I make thee as Admah? How shall I set thee as Zeboim? My heart is turned within Me, My compassions are kindled together.

9 I will not execute the fierceness of Mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim; for I am G-d, and not man, the Holy One in the midst of thee; and I will not come in fury.

10 They shall walk after HaShem, who shall roar like a lion; for He shall roar, and the children shall come trembling from the west.

11 They shall come trembling as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will make them to dwell in their houses, saith HaShem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Hosea 11 say about God's love for Israel?
God recalls, "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt" (v.1), teaching Ephraim to walk and drawing him "with cords of a man, with bands of love" (v.3-4) - language quoted about Jesus in Matthew 2:15.
What does verse 8 reveal about God's feelings toward Israel?
Despite their unfaithfulness, God says, "How shall I give thee up, Ephraim?... mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together" - a moment of anguished reluctance to fully destroy them.
Does God promise to punish Israel forever in this chapter?
No - verse 9 says, "I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man," and verses 10-11 picture the people trembling back home like birds returning from Egypt and Assyria.

Today's Verse

And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him.

Mark 1:20 | ASV

Verse Of The Day

Verse 8's anguished question, 'how shall I give thee up, Ephraim?' shows mercy overruling anger before Hosea 12 turns back to Israel's present deceit. Matthew applies the Egypt-calling of verse 1 to Jesus in Matthew 2:15.