FocusMemory, judgment, and healing
Hosea 11:7
KJVAnd my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The closing movement recalls the relationship, renews the indictment, and ends with an appeal to return and a promise of healing.
- 11:1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.
- 11:2 As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.
- 11:3 I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.
- 11:4 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.
- 11:5 He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return.
- 11:6 And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour them, because of their own counsels.
- 11:7 And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Hosea son of Beeri is the named prophet and traditional author of the collected message. Biblical references: Hosea 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Hosea 4:1–14:9): Hosea addresses Israel, including its priests and rulers, with warnings also involving Judah. The closing appeal calls Israel to return to the LORD. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Primarily the northern kingdom of Israel, often called Ephraim, with warnings also concerning Judah. Biblical references: Hosea 4:1; Hosea 5:1; Hosea 5:5. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Out of Egypt I Called My Son. Read Hosea 11:1 through Hosea 11:7 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The closing movement recalls the relationship, renews the indictment, and ends with an appeal to return and a promise of healing. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The opening names kings of Judah and Jeroboam of Israel. The oracles address that setting while also announcing future judgment and restoration. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Israel, especially the northern kingdom, is central; the poetry also recalls Egypt, wilderness, and other places in the covenant story. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Out of Egypt I Called My Son (Hosea 11:1 to Hosea 11:7). Start reading at Hosea 11:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Matthew applies Hosea's words about calling the son out of Egypt to Jesus. Hosea's immediate passage recalls Israel's history, so the later application and the original reference should both be stated. See Hosea 11:1, Matthew 2:15. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to the call to return with faithful conduct rather than empty religious activity. Marriage imagery should be read as the book's covenant portrayal, not casually imposed on a reader's private circumstances. interpretation
Cited: Hosea 11:1, Hosea 11:7, Matthew 2:15
Who wrote it, and how we know
Related passages
- are bent Hos 4:16 Hos 14:4 Ps 78:57-58 Prov 14:14 Jer 3:6,8,11 Jer 8:5 Jer 14:7
- they called me Hos 11:2 Hos 7:16 2 Chr 30:1-11 Ps 81:11 Amos 5:4-6,14-15
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Hosea 11
Hosea 1:1 Hosea 3:1 Hosea 14:1
God’s Love for Israel
Hosea 11:8–12FocusMemory, judgment, and healing
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Hosea
Hosea 1:1 Hosea 3:1 Hosea 14:1
Marriage and the covenant relationship
Hosea 1:1–3:5FocusUnfaithfulness, judgment, and restoration
The case against Israel
Hosea 4:1–10:15FocusIdolatry, injustice, and false security
FocusMemory, judgment, and healing
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.