Explanation: Hosea 11 divides into two main parts: judgment (11:1-7) and blessing (11:8-12). Judgment is coming upon Israel because they turned away from God's love to sacrifice to idols. Blessing is coming because God will bring them back to himself. In fact, their return will be as swift as the flight of a frightened bird. (Verse 12, which some think should go with the next chapter, contrasts the unfaithfulness of Israel with the faithfulness of Judah.)

     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.

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