Hosea 11 Commentary

Hosea 11 begins with a historical retrospect in which the Suzerain God reflects on His past relationship with Israel, referred to here as His beloved son. God has delivered Israel from the threatening situation of slavery in Egypt, where He called Israel His "firstborn"(Exodus 4:22). This passage includes a verse quoted in Matthew 2 as a prophecy that Jesus would be delivered by escaping to Egypt (Matthew 2:14-15).

God has provided Israel with His most tender care. Despite God's deliverance and protection, Israel has become ungrateful and has turned to idolatry, and adopted the self-seeking pagan culture of deceit, exploitation, and violence.

Consequently, God pronounces a two-pronged judgment on Israel. Israel will go into exile in Assyria, and the sword of war will whirl against his cities to demolish his gates and destroy his people.

Yet suddenly God speaks with compassion, and moderates His judgment. In lieu of utter destruction, God will roar like a lion to summon Israel back to the land. Israel will return Him with a genuine heart.

Chapter 11 ends with Israel's restoration and resettlement in the Promised Land It has a two-fold structure, as shown below,

1. The LORD announces that since Israel has refused His prophetic warning and will not repent, in spite of all the care and blessing God has provided them, Assyria will now conquer them. Assyria will be Israel's new king. Israel is God's firstborn whom He called out of Egypt. This passage is quoted in Matthew as a prophetic foreshadowing of Jesus's sojourn in Egypt.
2. Even though Israel will be judged, and exiled to Assyria, the LORD's compassion will cause Him to temper His judgment; this exile will be temporary. God will retain a remnant. He will not abandon or destroy His people utterly because He keeps His promises, and has promised to restore Israel if they break the covenant and are exiled. In due time, God will end their exile and resettle them in the Promised Land (vv. 8–12).