Hosea 11:1-12
Q.1. What was the nature of the relationship between God and Israel? How had He proven His love to the nation? – (Hos.11:1-4)
God reminded Israel about her beginnings – I led them with cords of a man, with bonds of love, and I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; And I bent down and fed them (Hos.11:4). The Lord had stooped down to rescue His people from Egypt and had sustained them time and again – but they did not know that I healed them (Hos.11:3). He could not have loved them more. However, the more love He bestowed, the more they had turned away from Him (Hos.11:2).
Q.2. What was wrong with Israel’s approach to God? What would happen to them? Why would God restore His blessing to the nation again? – (Hos.11:5-12)
Israel’s track record was that – they refused to return to Me (Hos.11:5 c.f. 11:7). They maintained a façade of spirituality, but – Ephraim surrounds Me with lies and the house of Israel with deceit; Judah is also unruly against God, even against the Holy One who is faithful (Hos.11:12). Anyone other than God would have given up on them, yet He foreshadowed a time when He would restore them. Why? – … 8 How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I surrender you, O Israel? … My heart is turned over within Me, all My compassions are kindled. 9 For I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath (Hos.11:9). In an amazing turn-around – 10 They will walk after the Lord; He will roar like a lion; Indeed He will roar and His sons will come trembling from the west. 11 They will come trembling like birds from Egypt and like doves from the land of Assyria; And I will settle them in their houses, declares the Lord (Hos.11:10-11). When will this take place? When Christ finally appears as the Lion of Judah – the King of all kings and Lord of all lords (Rev.5:5; 19:11-16 c.f. Zech.12:10-13:1). Such unfathomable love is surely worthy of our highest praise and tireless devotion to Him.