Hosea 11 - Introduction

For the third time the prophet reverts to the early history of Israel, and points out how Jehovah has proved his parental love, and how ill is the return which Israel has made for this love. Hosea 11:1-7 contain this melancholy historic retrospect and a fresh announcement of the penalty which a righteous father cannot withhold. Then the tone suddenly changes to one of promise (see below). The last verse of chap. 11 would be attached more fitly to chap. 12, of which it forms the first verse in the Hebrew Bible.