11:1ffIn the final four chapters, Hosea shifts to the theme of God's intense love for Israel. God had always loved Israel as a parent loves a stubborn child, and that is why he would not release Israel from the consequences of its behavior. The Israelites were sinful, and they would be punished like a rebellious son brought by his parents before the elders (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). AH through \srael's sad history, God repeatedly offered to restore the nation if it would only turn to him. By stubbornly refusing God’s invitation, the northern kingdom had sealed its doom. It would be destroyed, never to rise again. Even so, israel as a nation was not finished. A remnant of faithful Israelites would return to Jerusalem, where one day the Messiah would come, offering pardon and reconciliation to all who would faithfully follow him.
Life Application Study BibleHoseaChapter 11
Hosea 11
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 1420, 1421
1and I called my son out of Egypt.
2But the more I* called to him,the farther he moved from me,offering sacrifices to the images of Baaland burning incense to idols.
3I myself taught Israel* how to walk,leading him along by the hand.But he doesn’t Know or even carethat it was I who took care of him.
4Tled Israel alongwith my ropes of kindness and love.I lifted the yoke from his neck,and I myself stooped to feed him.
5“But since my people refuse to return to me,they will return to Egyptand will be forced to serve Assyria.
6War will swirl through their cities;their enemies will crash through their gates.They will destroy them,trapping them in their own evil plans.
7For my people are determined to desert me.They call me the Most High,but they don’t truly honor me.
8“Oh, how can I give you up, Israel?How can I let you go?How can I destroy you like Admahor demolish you like Zeboiim?My heart is torn within me,and my compassion overflows.
9No, I will not unleash my fierce anger.I will not completely destroy Israel,for I am God and not a mere mortal.I am the Holy One living among you,and I will not come to destroy.
10For someday the people will follow me.I, the Lor», will roar like a lion.And when I roar,my people will return trembling from the west.
11Like a flock of birds, they will come from Egypt.Trembling like doves, they will return from Assyria.And I will bring them home again,”says the LORD.
Charges against Israel and Judah
12 *[srael surrounds me with lies and deceit,but Judah still obeys Godand is faithful to the Holy One.*1 2 1*The people of Israel* feed on the wind;they chase after the east wind all day long.They pile up lies and violence;they are making an alliance with Assyria
Textual footnotes
- also in 11:8, 9, 12.
- 11:2 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads they.
- 11:3 Hebrew Ephraim,
- 11:12b Or and Judah is unruly against God, the faithful
Life Application Notes 5 notes
11:3God had consistently provided for his people, but they refused to see what he had done, and they showed no interest in thanking him. Ungratefulness is a common human fault. For example, when was the last time you thanked your parents for caring for you? your pastor for the service he gives your church? your child’s teacher for the care taken with each day’s activities? your heavenly Father for his guidance? Many of the benefits and privileges we enjoy are the result of loving actions done long ago. Look for hidden acts of nurturing, and thank those who make the world better through their love. But begin by thanking God for all his blessings.
11:4God’s discipline requires times of leading and times of feeding. Sometimes the rope is taut; sometimes it is slack. God’s discipline is always loving, and its object is always the well-being of the beloved. When you are called to discipline others—children, students, employees, or church members—do not be rigid. Vary your approach according to the goals you are seeking to accomplish. In each case, ask yourself, Does this person need guidance, or does he or she need to be nurtured?
11:5The northern kingdom survived for only two centuries after its break with Jerusalem. Its spiritual and political leaders did not help the people learn the way to God, so as a nation they would never repent. Hosea prophesied its downfall, which happened when Shalmaneser of Assyria conquered Israel in 722 B.C. Judah also would go into captivity, but a remnant would return to its homeland.
11:9“lam God and not a mere mortal.” It is easy for us to define God in terms of our own expectations and behavior. In so doing, we make him just slightly larger than ourselves. In reality, God is infinitely greater than we are. We should seek to become like him rather than attempt to remake him in our image.