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Summary

Hosea 11:1–4 – Fatherly love from Egypt

What happens: God says, “Out of Egypt I call my son.” The more He calls, the more they turn away, sacrificing to idols. He taught Ephraim to walk, took them in His arms, and led them with cords of kindness, yet they do not know He healed them.

What it means: God is a tender Father who rescues and trains His children. Human hearts often forget the hand that heals. God’s faithful love highlights the sin of ingratitude.

Hosea 11:5–7 – Sword and stubbornness

What happens: They will not return, so Assyria rules over them. The sword rages in their cities, and their plans fail. They are bent on turning away, and none calls to the Most High with a true heart.

What it means: Stubborn rebellion invites harsh consequences. God is just and lets chosen paths run their course. Prayer without repentance cannot save.

Hosea 11:8–9 – Holy compassion restrains wrath

What happens: God’s heart recoils and His compassion grows warm. He will not execute full burning anger or destroy Ephraim again. He is God and not man, the Holy One in their midst, and He will not come in wrath.

What it means: God’s holiness includes mercy that surpasses human retaliation. He remains faithful to His covenant love. Justice is real, but mercy sets limits to ruin.

Hosea 11:10–11 – Roar that gathers home

What happens: They follow the Lord; He roars like a lion and children tremble from the west. They come back from Egypt and Assyria, and God settles them in their homes.

What it means: God’s powerful call creates the return He desires. The Shepherd-King gathers scattered people. Restoration shows His faithfulness and care.

Application

  • Remember specific ways God has carried and healed you.
  • Turn from stubborn habits and seek God with a true heart.
  • Trust God’s holy mercy when you fear you have gone too far.
  • Follow His call promptly; He is bringing His people home.

Bible

1When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

2As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.

3I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.

4I 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.

5He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return.

6And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour them, because of their own counsels.

7And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.

8How 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.

9I 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.

10They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.

11They 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.

12Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.

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