Hosea 11

11:1-11 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 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 (see study note on Matt 4:1-11).

11:2 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).

11:3-4 God’s nurture of the infant Israel was marked by kindness and love.

11:5-7 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 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.

11:9 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 “God’s Absolute Holiness” Theme Note). An offended mortal might very well destroy a rebel out of pique and spite. The Holy One does not operate out of those motives.

11:10-11 Israel’s sin would not have the final word; God, in his holy love, would roar like a lion (see Amos 1:2; 3:8) to call his people home from exile.

11:12–12:14 Israel had perpetrated lies and deceit since the time of Jacob.