God’s Love for His Wayward Child
Hosea 11
Hosea 11
Looking Back At Israel’s Youth (11:1-7)
CHAPTER 11
1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. 2 As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto the Baals, and burned incense to graven images. 3 And I it was that taught Ephraim to walk, — He took them upon his arms, — but they knew not that I healed them. v.3 hosea has been brought through circumstances to be in such communion with the Lord that he can finish the Lord’s thought. The lord speaks, then hosea speaks, then the Lord speaks again.
4 I drew them with bands of a man, with cords of love; and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I gently caused them to eat.
vv.1-4 God’s Love and Tender Care for Israel from His Youth.
5 He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king; for they refused to return to me; 6 and the sword shall turn about in his cities, and shall consume his bars, and devour them, because of their own counsels. 7 Yea, my people are bent upon backsliding from me: though they call them to the Most High, none at all exalteth him.
vv.5-7 Israel’s Persistent Backsliding Brings Judgment.
Mourning Over Ephraim (11:8-11)
8 How shall I give thee over, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee up, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? My heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together. v.8 It brings pain and sorrow to the Lord heart to have to judge his people. Isa. 28 tells us that judgment is his strange work, he doesn’t like to do it. This verse shows he the heart of God in judgment. “My heart is turned within me” – his affections are churning.
9 I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am GOD, and not man, — the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not come in anger. v.9 “I am GOD, and not man” – a mere man cannot execute judgment and remember mercy. Whenever man tries to revenge himself, it turns out to be a bloodbath. But God is love, and so he will remember mercy.
vv.8-9 God’s Compassion Restrains His Anger Against Israel.
10 They shall walk after Jehovah; he shall roar like a lion; when he shall roar, then the children shall hasten from the west: 11 they shall hasten as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will cause them to dwell in their houses, saith Jehovah.
vv.10-11 Israel’s Future Return to the Lord.
Judah Still Walked with God (11:12)
12 Ephraim encompasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah yet walketh with GOD, and with the holy things of truth.
v.12 Ephraim’s Deceit Contrasted with Judah’s Faithfulness.