Hosea 11
God's Love for Israel
1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. References Egypt: Hosea 2:15, 13:4, Matthew 2:15. References Israel: Exodus 4:22. Love: Jeremiah 2:2
2 As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images. Parallel theme: Hosea 2:13, 11:7, Isaiah 65:7, Jeremiah 18:15
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. Love: Isaiah 63:9, 2 Corinthians 5:14. Parallel theme: Hosea 2:8, Leviticus 26:13, John 12:32
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. Word: Hosea 13:16. Parallel theme: Hosea 10:6, 10:14
7 And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.
God's Compassion Prevails
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. Parallel theme: Hosea 12:7, Isaiah 44:20, Revelation 3:21