Bible Commentaries
Hosea 11

Verses 1-12

Hosea 11:1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

Hosea 11:1 “called my son out of Egypt” - Comments - This was a reference to Jesus as a child coming out of Egypt with Joseph and Mary (Matthew 2:15).

Matthew 2:15, “And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.”

Hosea 11:2 As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.

Hosea 11:3 I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.

Hosea 11:4 I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.

Hosea 11:3-4 Comments God’s Lovingkindness - In Hosea 11:3-4 God reveals His tender, loving care as a Father over His children. It shows us that our Heavenly Father is involved in our daily lives as He looks over every situation that we encounter. How far from God’s loving care the children of Israel had strayed.

Hosea 11:8 How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.

Hosea 11:8 Comments - Admah and Zeboim were two cities of the plain that were destroyed with Sodom and Gomorrah (Deuteronomy 29:23).

Deuteronomy 29:23, “And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah , and Zeboim , which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:”