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The Bible · 873 of 1189
Hosea 11
1.When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. 2. As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images. 3. I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them. 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.
5.He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return. 6. And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour them, because of their own counsels. 7. And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.
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. 9. I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city. 10. They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west. 11. They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria: and I will place them in their houses, saith the LORD. 12. Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.
Asked of Guide
Why does God say, “How shall I give thee up, Ephraim?” when Israel sinned?
God expresses conflicted compassion: he recounts Israel’s failings—idolatry, deceit, and being “bent to backsliding”—but remembers calling them out of Egypt and how he “drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love.” The rhetorical question “How shall I give thee up?” names a mercy that refuses to be extinguished even when judgment is threatened.
The chapter balances impending punishment—Assyrian rule and the sword—with a decision to restrain fury: “I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger.” This language echoes Jeremiah’s tender reluctance in Jeremiah 31, where God likewise promises restoration after chastening.
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