Hosea 11:1-11

The emphasis for the last few chapters has been on Israel’s sin and resulting judgment.  The reality of judgment continues in the last chapters of Hosea but there is a change in that the love of God for Israel is emphasized, concluding in the message of ultimate restoration.  The flow of Hosea 4-14, as we have said, is the same as was seen in Hosea’s marriage to Gomer and thus God’s marriage to Israel: she bears the consequences/punishment for her bad choice; but then God’s love moves Him to retrieve her and restore her to her honored place.

Few places in Scripture illustrate God’s love better than in Hosea, and few passages reveal His love for Israel better than Hosea 11.  God’s love is seen in the past, present and future.

·        11:1-4: God’s eternal love in the past.

God had called Israel out of Egypt, establishing a special relationship with her as His special treasure (Deut. 7:6).  But notice that in v1 Israel is called God’s Son.  And you may also remember that this was quoted in Matt. 2:15 and applied to Christ.  This connection between Israel and Messiah is not unusual; in Isaiah Israel is God’s servant; and yet in the Servant Songs (e.g. Isa. 53) the Servant is personal and applies to Messiah. 

God repeatedly called Israel throughout the years, as they (the prophets) called the people to obedience.  God fathered Israel, teaching His son to walk and caring for his needs.  God had drawn Israel with gentle cords, bands of love.  The idea is that God did not pull or drag Israel as one might try to pull a stubborn mule.  God’s discipline was loving, removing her yoke so she could feed freely.

·        11:5-7: God’s eternal love in the present. 

Israel rejected God, as a wife who leaves her husband for other lovers.  God’s love for Israel was seen in the consequences.  His firm response was consistent with her poor choice.  If someone does not have the love to get in her way and stop her she will destroy herself.

·        11:8-11: God’s eternal love in the present and future. 

Now God’s love is in the form of compassion.  Even in the present and soon judgment God’s mercy is evident.  He will not completely destroy Ephraim, even if it is deserved.  God remembers the time of Sodom when He completely destroyed the cities including Admah and Zeboiim.  How can I give you up?!  God’s punishment will be perfect, because He is not a man but God, the Holy One.  Israel will return in holiness, walking after the LORD.  Though she comes trembling, she will again be at home in the land.

Sin always has consequences, even for those who know the LORD and are properly called His.  But God will be compassionate on His; you can count on it because He is the faithful God (1 Thess. 5:23-24).