Hosea 11
BSB1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son. 2 But the more I called Israel, the farther they departed from Me. They sacrificed to the Baals and burned incense to carved images. 3 It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them in My arms, but they never realized that it was I who healed them. 4 I led them with cords of kindness, with ropes of love; I lifted the yoke from their necks and bent down to feed them. 5 Will they not return to the land of Egypt and be ruled by Assyria because they refused to repent? 6 A sword will flash through their cities; it will destroy the bars of their gates and consume them in their own plans. 7 My people are bent on turning from Me. Though they call to the Most High, He will by no means exalt them. 8 How could I give you up, O Ephraim? How could I surrender you, O Israel? How could I make you like Admah? How could I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me; My compassion is stirred! 9 I will not execute the full fury of My anger; I will not turn back to destroy Ephraim. For I am God and not man— the Holy One among you— and I will not come in wrath. 10 They will walk after the LORD; He will roar like a lion. When He roars, His children will come trembling from the west. 11 They will come trembling like birds from Egypt and like doves from the land of Assyria. Then I will settle them in their homes, declares the LORD. 12 Ephraim surrounds Me with lies, the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah still walks with God and is faithful to the Holy One.
Study Notes — Hosea 11
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Hosea 11
- Themes from Hosea 11
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Hosea 11
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Hosea chapter 11 begins with a reminder of God's calling and redemption of Israel from Egypt, as stated in Hosea 11:1. God's love for Israel is likened to a father's love for his child, as seen in Hosea 11:3-4. Despite Israel's rebellion and idolatry, God's love remains steadfast, and He longs to restore them to Himself. The chapter also contains a prophecy of Israel's future restoration and the coming of the Messiah, as mentioned in Hosea 11:10-11. Throughout the chapter, Hosea emphasizes God's holiness, justice, and mercy, calling Israel to repentance and faithfulness.
Context for the Chapter
Hosea chapter 11 is part of the larger book of Hosea, which is a collection of prophecies and messages from God to Israel during a time of great spiritual decline and idolatry. The chapter fits into the broader narrative of the Old Testament, highlighting God's faithfulness and love towards His people, despite their sin and rebellion. The chapter also looks forward to the coming of the Messiah and the restoration of Israel, which is fulfilled in the New Testament.
Heart Application
The chapter calls believers to reflect on God's love and faithfulness towards them, and to respond with repentance and faithfulness. It also encourages believers to trust in God's mercy and long-suffering, even in the face of sin and rebellion. As seen in Hosea 11:12, God's people are called to live faithfully and to trust in His love and provision.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about God's love for Israel, despite their sin and rebellion. God calls Israel His son and longs to restore them to Himself. The chapter also looks forward to the coming of the Messiah and the restoration of Israel, as seen in Hosea 11:10-11. God's love and mercy are highlighted throughout the chapter, encouraging believers to trust in His faithfulness and to respond with repentance and faithfulness.
Voices from the Church
“The love of God to His people is a wonder, a marvel, a miracle, which we can hardly comprehend, and which we can never fully express.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Lord has adopted us as His children, and has bestowed upon us the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”
— John Calvin
“God's love is not based on our worthiness, but on His own mercy and goodness.”
— Martin Luther
Outline for Preaching
- God's Love for Israel (Hosea 11:1-4) — The chapter begins with a reminder of God's love for Israel, highlighting His paternal affection and mercy towards them.
- Israel's Rebellion (Hosea 11:5-7) — Despite God's love, Israel rebels against Him, turning to other gods and idols.
- God's Reluctance to Punish (Hosea 11:8-9) — God expresses His hesitation to destroy Israel, despite their sin, highlighting His mercy and long-suffering towards His people.
- The Promise of Restoration (Hosea 11:10-11) — God promises to restore Israel and bring them back to Himself, highlighting His faithfulness and love towards His people.
- The Call to Faithfulness (Hosea 11:12) — The chapter concludes with a call to Israel to live faithfully and to trust in God's love and provision.
Core Doctrines
- God's Sovereignty
- The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over Israel's history, highlighting His control and direction over their lives. This is seen in Hosea 11:1, where God calls Israel out of Egypt.
- God's Love and Mercy
- The chapter emphasizes God's love and mercy towards Israel, despite their sin and rebellion. This is seen in Hosea 11:3-4, where God describes His relationship with Israel as a father teaching his child to walk.
- The Doctrine of Adoption
- The chapter contains the theme of adoption, where God adopts Israel as His son, highlighting their special relationship and God's fatherly love. This is seen in Hosea 11:1, where God calls Israel His son.
- The Promise of Restoration
- The chapter contains the promise of restoration, where God promises to restore Israel and bring them back to Himself, highlighting His faithfulness and love towards His people. This is seen in Hosea 11:10-11.
Lessons from Hosea 11
- God's Love is Unconditional — The chapter teaches that God's love for His people is unconditional, and not based on their worthiness or performance.
- The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, highlighting the consequences of rebellion and sin.
- The Promise of Restoration — The chapter contains the promise of restoration, highlighting God's faithfulness and love towards His people, and encouraging believers to trust in His mercy and long-suffering.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over human history, emphasizing His control and direction over the lives of His people.
- The Call to Repentance — The chapter concludes with a call to repentance and faithfulness, encouraging believers to respond to God's love and mercy with obedience and trust.
Themes from Hosea 11
- God's Love and Mercy — The chapter emphasizes God's love and mercy towards Israel, despite their sin and rebellion, highlighting His paternal affection and care for His people.
- Israel's Rebellion and Sin — The chapter contains the theme of Israel's rebellion and sin, highlighting their unfaithfulness and disobedience towards God.
- The Promise of Restoration — The chapter contains the promise of restoration, where God promises to restore Israel and bring them back to Himself, highlighting His faithfulness and love towards His people.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over human history, emphasizing His control and direction over the lives of His people.
- The Call to Faithfulness — The chapter concludes with a call to faithfulness and obedience, encouraging believers to respond to God's love and mercy with trust and devotion.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the chapter reveal about God's character and love for His people?
- How does Israel's rebellion against God reflect their sin and unfaithfulness?
- What does the chapter teach about God's sovereignty and control over human history?
- How does the promise of restoration in the chapter relate to the larger biblical narrative of redemption?
- What practical applications can be drawn from the chapter regarding God's love and mercy towards believers?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. God's Love for Israel (Hosea 11:1-4)
| Hosea 11:1 | The chapter begins with a reminder of God's love for Israel, highlighting His paternal affection and mercy towards them. |
| Hosea 11:2 | Despite God's love, Israel turns to other gods and idols, highlighting their sin and unfaithfulness. |
| Hosea 11:3-4 | God describes His relationship with Israel as a father teaching his child to walk, highlighting His tender care and mercy towards them. |
2. Israel's Rebellion and Sin (Hosea 11:5-7)
| Hosea 11:5 | Israel's rebellion and sin are highlighted, emphasizing their unfaithfulness and disobedience towards God. |
| Hosea 11:6 | The consequences of Israel's sin are described, highlighting the judgment and punishment that they will face. |
| Hosea 11:7 | Despite their sin, God longs to restore Israel and bring them back to Himself, highlighting His love and mercy towards His people. |
3. God's Reluctance to Punish (Hosea 11:8-9)
| Hosea 11:8 | God expresses His hesitation to destroy Israel, despite their sin, highlighting His mercy and long-suffering towards His people. |
| Hosea 11:9 | God's reluctance to punish Israel is emphasized, highlighting His love and compassion towards His people. |
4. The Promise of Restoration (Hosea 11:10-11)
| Hosea 11:10 | God promises to restore Israel and bring them back to Himself, highlighting His faithfulness and love towards His people. |
| Hosea 11:11 | The promise of restoration is repeated, emphasizing God's commitment to His people and His desire to bless and prosper them. |
5. The Call to Faithfulness (Hosea 11:12)
| Hosea 11:12 | The chapter concludes with a call to faithfulness and obedience, encouraging believers to respond to God's love and mercy with trust and devotion. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Hosea chapter 11?
The main theme of Hosea chapter 11 is God's love and mercy towards Israel, despite their sin and rebellion, as seen in Hosea 11:1-4. This theme is emphasized throughout the chapter, highlighting God's paternal affection and care for His people.
What does the chapter teach about God's sovereignty?
The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over human history, emphasizing His control and direction over the lives of His people, as seen in Hosea 11:1 and Hosea 11:10-11.
What is the promise of restoration in the chapter?
The promise of restoration in the chapter is God's promise to restore Israel and bring them back to Himself, highlighting His faithfulness and love towards His people, as seen in Hosea 11:10-11.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 11:1 → Matthew 2:15 | The verse 'Out of Egypt I called my son' is applied to Jesus in Matthew 2:15, highlighting the fulfillment of God's plan of redemption in Christ. |
| 2 | Hosea 11:10-11 → Isaiah 11:11-12 | The promise of restoration in Hosea 11:10-11 is similar to the promise in Isaiah 11:11-12, highlighting God's faithfulness and love towards His people. |
| 3 | Hosea 11:8-9 → Psalm 103:8-10 | The description of God's mercy and long-suffering in Hosea 11:8-9 is similar to the description in Psalm 103:8-10, highlighting God's love and compassion towards His people. |
| 4 | Hosea 11:12 → Matthew 5:48 | The call to faithfulness and obedience in Hosea 11:12 is similar to the call in Matthew 5:48, emphasizing the importance of trusting and obeying God. |
| 5 | Hosea 11:1 → Exodus 4:22-23 | The description of Israel as God's son in Hosea 11:1 is similar to the description in Exodus 4:22-23, highlighting God's paternal affection and care for His people. |
| 6 | Hosea 11:10-11 → Jeremiah 31:8-9 | The promise of restoration in Hosea 11:10-11 is similar to the promise in Jeremiah 31:8-9, highlighting God's faithfulness and love towards His people. |
| 7 | Hosea 11:8-9 → Lamentations 3:22-23 | The description of God's mercy and long-suffering in Hosea 11:8-9 is similar to the description in Lamentations 3:22-23, highlighting God's love and compassion towards His people. |
| 8 | Hosea 11:12 → Romans 8:14 | The call to faithfulness and obedience in Hosea 11:12 is similar to the call in Romans 8:14, emphasizing the importance of trusting and obeying God. |
| 9 | Hosea 11:1 → John 1:14 | The description of God's love for Israel in Hosea 11:1 is similar to the description of God's love for the world in John 1:14, highlighting God's paternal affection and care for His people. |
| 10 | Hosea 11:10-11 → Revelation 21:3-4 | The promise of restoration in Hosea 11:10-11 is similar to the promise in Revelation 21:3-4, highlighting God's faithfulness and love towards His people. |
Sermons on Hosea 11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Message for America and Its Cultural Religion by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding the times we live in and the need for spiritual discernment. He mentions a gathering of churches in New York |
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It’s Time to Get Right With God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a response to God's call to get out of despair and captivity. He uses the example of Israel being captivated by their unbelief |
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Hosea #7 Ch. 11-12 Hosea by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Hosea and its message about God's love and Israel's disloyalty. The speaker highlights how God drew Israel with cords of love and |
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Bristol Conference 1962 - Part 3 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of idolatry and how it can manifest in our lives. He emphasizes the importance of identifying the subjects that we are most passio |
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Mormonism: A Creed From Hell by Stephen Hamilton | In this sermon, the speaker begins by thanking God for being our Father and for reversing the effects of the fall through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that sin is evil and should ne |
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An Alarm to the Unconverted 2 of 5 by Joseph Alleine | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of self-examination and the danger of being deceived about one's spiritual state. He challenges the listeners to honestly ass |
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I Love You by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preachers who love their people enough to discipline them when they are in sin. He uses the metaphor of taking cords and w |
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Forgiveness by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the unforgiving servant from the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of being generous with forgiveness, as God has forgiven |
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Holl-03 Authentieke Conversie (True Conversion) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a moment when he stood up to preach in a challenging environment. He prayed for guidance and spoke a message that was not anointed, yet somethi |
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The Seven Levels of Judgment - Proper Response Part 2 by Dan Biser | This sermon emphasizes the importance of a proper response to God's word, focusing on seeking wisdom, knowledge, and understanding from God, repentance, acknowledging sin, seeking |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Hosea 11
In this chapter, we see the tender love and mercy of God towards His people, despite their sin and rebellion. God's love is likened to a father's love for his child, and He longs to restore them to Himself. The chapter contains a beautiful expression of God's faithfulness and love towards Israel, and highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience towards God. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord has a love for His people that is strong as death, and many waters cannot quench it.' The chapter also looks forward to the coming of the Messiah and the restoration of Israel, highlighting God's plan of redemption and salvation for His people. In Hosea 11:1-4, God's love for Israel is emphasized, and in Hosea 11:10-11, the promise of restoration is highlighted, emphasizing God's faithfulness and love towards His people. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Paternal Love
Throughout the chapter, God's love for Israel is likened to a father's love for his child, highlighting His tender care and mercy towards them. This is seen in Hosea 11:3-4, where God describes His relationship with Israel as a father teaching his child to walk.
Israel's Rebellion
Despite God's love and faithfulness, Israel rebels against Him, highlighting their sin and unfaithfulness. This is seen in Hosea 11:2, where Israel is described as turning to other gods and idols.
God's Reluctance to Punish
God's reluctance to punish Israel is evident in Hosea 11:8-9, where He expresses His hesitation to destroy them, despite their sin. This highlights God's mercy and long-suffering towards His people.