HOSEA—NOTE ON Hosea 11:2 The Lord never stopped loving Israel. Throughout their history, he taught Ephraim (that is, Israel) to walk, and he healed them, as a father does with his child. led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love. Many commentators think that in v. Hosea 11:4 the image changes to that of a kind farmer with his animals. He removes the yoke and leads the animal, not with harsh ropes (as in Hosea 10:11), but with light “cords” and “bands” to guide the animals to their food. Then the Lord, like a gentle farmer, even bent down and fed them. These kind acts provide the basis for a relationship of care, guidance, and obedience. Tragically, the Lord’s love was rejected: The more they were called, the more they went away.

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