Hosea 11:1-11
Summary for Hos 11:1-11: 11:1-11 a God agonized over Israel’s unfaithfulness. Despite all he had done, Israel had become a rebel. Justice required severe punishment, but the final sentence for Israel would be determined by God’s tender compassion for his people, not by an abstract principle. 11:1 b my son: The Lord adopted Israel when he delivered him out of Egypt. This verse is quoted in reference to Jesus in Matt 2:15 c (see study note on Matt 4:1-11).11:2 d In spite of God’s love, Israel had become a rebellious child, offering sacrifices to . . . Baal. The penalty for a rebellious son was death (Deut 21:18-21 e).
Summary for Hos 11:3-4: 11:3-4 f God’s nurture of the infant Israel was marked by kindness and love.
Summary for Hos 11:5-7: 11:5-7 g Because the Israelites had refused to return to the Lord, they would return to Egypt and ... serve Assyria. Their past bondage in Egypt was a symbol for their coming exile in Assyria.
11:8 h Though justice demanded Israel’s death, the Lord recoiled at the thought of giving Israel up, of letting them go, of destroying his son.
• Admah and Zeboiim were cities near Sodom and Gomorrah that God totally destroyed (Deut 29:23 i).
• In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of the intellect and the will.
11:9 j No: The Lord alone would determine Israel’s fate. God repeated the words I will not three times, emphasizing his decision not to completely destroy his people.
• The reason for the divine decision is, I am the Holy One living among you. God’s holiness distinguishes him from every created thing (see thematic note for God’s Absolute Holiness at end of chapter). An offended mortal might very well destroy a rebel out of pique and spite. The Holy One does not operate out of those motives.
Summary for Hos 11:10-11: 11:10-11 k Israel’s sin would not have the final word; God, in his holy love, would roar like a lion (see Amos 1:2 l; 3:8 m) to call his people home from exile.
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