HOSEA
CHAPTER 11
Israel, as a child, called out of Egypt in similitude of our Lord, as a child, returning therefrom—But Ephraim turns away from the Lord.
2 As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.
3 I taught Ephraim [
Because they were the two dominant tribes, Judah came to represent all the
Israelites in the southern Kingdom, and Ephraim came to represent the Israelites
in the Northern Kingdom. Thus, as used here, Judah means the southern
Kingdom, and Ephraim the Northern Kingdom.] 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, [“This is an agricultural
simile, and refers to the custom of raising the yoke from the neck and cheeks
of the oxen so that they can more readily eat their food. Henderson says: ‘The
ol, yoke, not only included the piece of wood on the neck by which the animal
was fastened to the pole, but also the whole of the harness about the head
which was connected with it. The yokes used in the East A yoke for oxen are
very heavy, and press so much upon the animals that they are unable to bend
their necks.’ . . . “Compare this statement with what Jesus says about his
yoke in Matthew [11:28–30].” (James M. Freeman, Manners and Customs of the
Bible, p. 317.)] 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 [
animal when being pulled will drop thier back ends to dih the back feet
in to avoid sliding - 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?
[It was destroyed along with sodom and Gomorrah] how shall
I set thee as Zeboim? [ One
of the "five cities
of the plain" of sodom, generally coupled with Admah (Gen. 10:19; 14:2;
Deut.29:23; Hos. 11:8). It had a king of its own (Shemeber), and was
therefore a place of some importance. It was destroyed along with the
other cities of the plain] mine heart is turned within me,
[ Note God’s agony over the impending captivity. the
Joseph Smith Translation of verse 8 says “mine heart is turned toward thee”
instead of “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.