Hosea 11
Hosea 11 is part of “God's Persistent Love” (11–14) in the outline of Hosea.
Hosea 11 summary
In this chapter we have, I. The great goodness of God towards his people Israel, and the great things he had done for them (Hos 11:1, Hos 11:3, Hos 11:4). II. Their ungrateful conduct towards him, notwithstanding his favours towards them (Hos 11:2-4, Hos 11:7, Hos 11:12).
Read the full introduction
In this chapter we have, I. The great goodness of God towards his people Israel, and the great things he had done for them (Hos 11:1, Hos 11:3, Hos 11:4). II. Their ungrateful conduct towards him, notwithstanding his favours towards them (Hos 11:2-4, Hos 11:7, Hos 11:12). III. Threatenings of wrath against them for their ingratitude and treachery (Hos 11:5, Hos 11:6). IV. Mercy remembered in the midst of wrath (Hos 11:8, Hos 11:9). V. Promises of what God would yet do for them (Hos 11:10, Hos 11:11). VI. An honourable character given of Judah (Hos 11:12).
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Hosea 11 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
God's Love for Israel
1When Israel was a childe, then I loued him, and called my sonne out of Egypt. 2They called them, but they went thus from them: they sacrificed vnto Baalim, and burnt incense to images. 3I ledde Ephraim also, as one shoulde beare them in his armes: but they knewe not that I healed them. 4I led them with cordes of a man, euen with bandes of loue, and I was to them, as hee that taketh off the yoke from their iawes, and I laide the meat vnto them. 5He shall no more returne into the lande of Egypt: but Asshur shalbe his King, because they refused to conuert. 6And the sworde shall fall on his cities, and shall consume his barres, and deuoure them, because of their owne counsels. 7And my people are bent to rebellion against me: though they called them to the most hie, yet none at all would exalt him.
God's Compassion Prevails
8Howe shall I giue thee vp, Ephraim? howe shall I deliuer thee, Israel? how shall I make thee, as Admah? howe shall I set thee, as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within mee: my repentings are rouled together. 9I wil not execute ye fiercenesse of my wrath: I will not returne to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man, the holy one in the middes of thee, and I will not enter into the citie. 10They shall walke after the Lord: he shall roare like a lyon: when hee shall roare, then the children of the West shall feare. 11They shall feare as a sparrow out of Egypt, and as a doue of the lande of Asshur, and I will place them in their houses, sayth the Lord. 12Ephraim copasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Iudah yet ruleth with God, and is faithfull with the Saints.