Hosea 11:4

I drew them with cords of a man, &c. A new image suggested by Hosea 10:11, and descriptive of the fatherly love of God. Not with the violence suited to an unruly heifer, but with the -cords of men" (i. e. such as men can bear), did Jehovah win his people's obedience. But the expression is strange.

that take off the yoke on their jaws Rather, that lift up the yoke over their cheeks. Jehovah compares himself to a considerate master, who raises the yoke from the neck and cheeks of the animal, that it may eat its food more conveniently.

and I laid meat unto them This version however is impossible. As the text stands, we can only render, either (altering one vowel-point), and I bent towards him and gave him food, or, and (dealing) gently with him I gave him food. Not of course to be interpreted literally; the figure beautifully describes the tender indulgence of Jehovah to his people.