Hos 11:8-11 | TNotes | STEP | 11:8 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 ). • In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of the intellect and the will.

bDeut 29:23►

d11:10-11►

eAmos 1:2►

‏ Hosea 11:8-11

11:8 ^a 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 ^b).

• In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of the intellect and the will.
11:9 ^c 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 ^d Israel’s sin would not have the final word; God, in his holy love, would roar like a lion (see Amos 1:2 ^e; 3:8 ^f) to call his people home from exile.