Hosea 11

Chapter 11



1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

God now switches from the metaphor of Israel being His wife to Israel being His son.

Though god called the entire nation of Israel out of Egypt, Matthew applied this scripture to Christ. Jesus spent about two years in Egypt during his very early childhood hiding from King Herod.

2 As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.

Other translations render this “As I called them, so they went from Me” which makes more sense. The more God called to Israel, the more she pursued her idols.

3 I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.

God taught Israel the way a father teaches his child to walk, but they still ignored Him.

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.

He made their lives easy but they still reject them. Sounds like children in America today.

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.

Some in Israel had called out to God in repentance, though not likely a large number.

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.

God loves Israel. He does not want to punish her, but sees He has no choice since He is the God of Justice. But He will not totally wipe her off the face of the earth like King Chedorlaomer conquered Kings Admah and Zeboim in the time of Abraham (Genesis 14:8)

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.

God promises He will not totally destroy the people, but only punish them as much as is necessary.

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.

Assyria settled most of the Israelites to the west towards Babylon.

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.

God promises to call Israel back home to their homeland. They will come out of both Egypt (where many fled to avoid captivity) and Assyria (which at this time includes the territory of Babylon). This was fulfilled when Cyrus the Great gave the command for all captive people to return to their homelands.

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.

Judah is under the rule of Hezekiah at this time and is serving God and being faithful. God will keep all His promises that the Messiah will come out of the descendents of Jacob.