Hosea 11
1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.
2 As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.
3 I taught Ephraim also to go, 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 laid meat unto them.
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 abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour them, because of their own counsels.
7 And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.
8 How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.
9 I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city.
10 They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.
11 They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria: and I will place them in their houses, saith the LORD.
12 Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.
Common Questions About Hosea 11
How does chapter 11 picture God's relationship with Israel?
God describes Himself in deeply parental terms, recalling how He loved Israel as a child, called him out of Egypt, taught him to walk, and led him with cords of kindness, portraying tender, patient, fatherly love despite the child's rebellion.
What does God's internal struggle in this chapter reveal about His character?
God expresses an anguished internal debate, asking 'How can I give you up, Ephraim?' and declares that His compassion overrules His anger, choosing not to fully destroy Israel because He is God and not a mere man driven only by wrath.
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Questions to Think About
- This chapter portrays God's love in strikingly parental, emotional terms. How does picturing God's love this way change how you relate to Him?
- God's compassion is described as overruling deserved anger. Where in your own life have you experienced mercy that you didn't strictly deserve?
Ask the Bible Chat Bot below if you'd like to talk through any of these.
