Hosea 11:10
They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.
Original Language Analysis
אַחֲרֵ֧י
after
H310
אַחֲרֵ֧י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
יְהוָ֛ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יֵלְכ֖וּ
H1980
יֵלְכ֖וּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 11
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ה֣וּא
H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
7 of 11
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וְיֶחֶרְד֥וּ
shall tremble
H2729
וְיֶחֶרְד֥וּ
shall tremble
Strong's:
H2729
Word #:
9 of 11
to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)
Cross References
Isaiah 31:4For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.Amos 1:2And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither.Joel 3:16The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.Jeremiah 25:30Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth.Isaiah 64:2As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence!Jeremiah 31:9They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.Acts 24:25And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.2 Peter 2:10But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.Jeremiah 7:9Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;Jeremiah 2:2Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown.
Historical Context
The promise of regathering from west (Mediterranean region, including areas where northern exiles were scattered) anticipates restoration. While northern kingdom never returned corporately, the promise finds fulfillment in gospel ingathering: Christ gathering scattered Israel (John 11:52) and making Jews and Gentiles one people (Ephesians 2:14-16). The 'lion roar' imagery transforms from terror to summons—same mighty voice, different purpose. Joel 3:16 similarly depicts YHWH roaring from Zion. Historically, post-exilic return from Babylon fulfilled this partially for Judah; full fulfillment awaits Christ's second coming (Matthew 24:31).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's 'lion roar' transform from judgment threat to restoration summons?
- What does children 'trembling from the west' teach about reverential fear as proper response to divine majesty?
Analysis & Commentary
Roaring summons: 'They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.' Future restoration: walking after YHWH, who roars like אַרְיֵה (aryeh, lion). When He roars, בָּנִים (banim, children/sons) tremble from יָם (yam, west/sea). The lion roar, earlier judgment threat (5:14), becomes gathering call. Children trembling describes reverent response, hastening homeward. This demonstrates that God's power, exercised in judgment, also gathers in restoration. Christ the Lion of Judah conquers through sacrifice (Revelation 5:5-6).