Hosea 11

Chap. XI. Ver. 1—12. God’s tenderness to Israel, notwithstanding, and to threaten them with deserved punishment. But suddenly and unexpectedly the prospect changes. Beams of mercy break from the clouds just now fraught with vengeance. God, to speak in the language of men, feels the yearnings of a tender parent,—his bowels yearn,—his mercy triumphs,—his rebellious child shall yet be pardoned. As the lion of the tribe of Judah, he will exert his power to save his people. He will call his children from the land of their captivity and dispersion, and with the swiftness of doves they will fly to him, a faithful and a holy people.—This prophecy was partly fulfilled in consequence of Cyrus’s decree, but in its fullest extent remains to be accomplished in the future restoration of the Jews to their own land.”—Dr. J. Smith.

Notes on the verses

Chap. XI. Ver. 1. And called my son out of Egypt.—These words certainly refer, in the first instance, to Israel, but admit of an easy accommodation to Christ himself, (Matthew 2:15). Ver. 2. As they called, &c.—The LXX. and other versions read, “* When I called, then they departed from me;’’ and this, as it gives a good sense, is adopted by Newcome, Boothroyd, and others. Perhaps the true sense is, the more they were called to, the farther they went astray. Compare ch. xiii. 2. Ver. 4. That take off (or lift up) the yoke (that is) upon their jaws.—“It is very probable that these words refer to the custom of (occasionally) raising soy — forward, to cool the neck of the labouring beast.” See Lowth in Ba. 1. 3. Ver. 5. He shall not return, &c.—Dr. Forsayeth, ‘Shall he not return?’ In other parts of this book, returning to Egypt is threatened as a punishment. See (Hosea 7:16); viii. 13; ix. 3, 6, &c.—Because they refused to return —Namely, to the Lord. Ver. 6. The sword shall abide.—Horsley, ‘‘Shall weary itself in his cities, and consume his diviners, and devour, because,”’ &c. Ver. 7. Though they called—i. e. “Though they (i. e. Israel) were called to return to the Most High, none of them would unite to exalt (him;”) or, as Bishop, “All of one mind, they would not be exalted.” Ver. 9. I will not enter into the city.—Bishop Lowth, ‘‘Though I inhabit not thy cities.” Lect. xix.; Ver. 10.

He shall roar.—The sense is here very abrupt; Newcome supplies, “behold he shall roar, then shall their sons hasten (not tremble) from the” Ver. 11. They shall tremble.—Newcome, ‘‘hasten;’ Horsley, ‘hurry” from the” Ver. 12. But Judah yet ruleth—That is, says Boothroyd, ‘‘Maintained the law of God, and adhered to his worship professedly; and were, in comparison of Israel, a faithful people:’—”* the people of the Most Holy One are