Hosea 11 - Introduction

Israel Was Bent On Backsliding -- Hosea Eleven --

Hosea continued to discuss Israel's rebelliousness and their unwillingness to repent. God had many complaints against them but His desire was for each individual to transform their thinking and their lives. As a nation God loved and chose Israel. He called His "Son" Israel out of Egypt. The more God blessed and called the people the more they turned from following Him to worship idols. The sacrificed to Baal and became involved in more and more idol worship.

God took Israel by the hand and blessed them. However, they did not know that it was Jehovah that had so honored them. God had put restraints upon Israel for their protection and preservation. They threw off those restraints like oxen fighting the yoke. The rebellion of Israel led them to captivity in Assyria. Enemy soldiers would consume the Israelites because of their rebellion. The people were bent to backsliding. In spite of the preaching of God's prophets they refused to return to Him.

It deeply grieved Jehovah that the time of destruction had come for Israel. God strongly wanted to bless this nation but they would not allow Him to do so. This section gives us a brief look at the amazing heart of God. Even though they were very wicked He did not want to let them go! The Lord asked four questions that reveal how hard it was for him to give Israel over to punishment. "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?" (Hosea 11:8) Admah, and Zeboim were cites that were destroyed along with Sodom and Gomorrah. (Deuteronomy 29:23) Even though God did destroy Israel He did so with restraint. He did not completely wipe them out. As individuals they still had the opportunity to get right with Him. God is not man. He is able to control His emotions.

God was about to devour Israel. They would return to Him trembling. Israel would pay for being such a deceitful nation. Ephraim had consistently lied and tried to deceive God. The kingdom of Judah had also been unruly in its relationship with God. God had been faithful to Israel in spite of the fact that they had turned to Baal and other idol gods. Now they will face the consequences of their choices.