Hosea 11 Commentary
There are few places in the holy script where the LORD’s confusing name is as pronounced as in this chapter. Justice and compassion collide heads on. You don’t know what to pick! What will happen to Israel, punishment or restoration? What comes out top, justice or compassion?
Israel will pay for her sins. Egypt welcomes Israel again. Slavery is on the menu once again. But “how can I give you up, Israel? How can I abandon you?” Compassion says no.
This confusion shall reign until the time of the New Testament. Then, “the people walking in darkness will see a great light.” For unto us a child is born. Immanuel. The government will be on His shoulders. He will reign on David’s throne and over the kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness.
Note the rule of justice and righteousness!
The rule of the Christ is almost always synonymous with compassion. Yet justice remains an integral part of the Son’s government. Some things never change! The LORD’s name is rigid: “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” Exodus 34.
Hosea 11 is an expansion of the LORD’s complex name. Somehow both happen! Assyria first and later Babylon. In each case, the LORD speaks of restoration. Scan the pages of history and see that indeed Israel is never a nation in a real sense until the time of Immanuel. Yes, Immanuel reigns but His kingdom isn’t of this earth. Restoration comes with the Son! What a blessed hope!
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