NOTES for Hos 11:1-12

Once again, those listening to the prophetic speech are reminded of the people's ingratitude toward the God who loved them. It is impossible even to list all that the people received from Him over many centuries, yet the beloved children turn away from their Lord again and again. And now it is as though the moment has come when His patience is exhausted and He has acquired the right to destroy the apostates.

This is how one might reason when guided by human notions of justice. And how else, it may appear on a superficial reading, can His severe rebukes be understood? But let us notice that the Lord Himself does not intend to destroy the disobedient. Yes, such a punishment would be just, but the concept of justice has another, hidden meaning that is not grasped at once and is visible only to the One who sees all the circumstances concealed from us on earth.

The consequence of sins and apostasy will be not destruction, but enslavement by Assyria. And this will become the embodiment of Israel's dreams, for those who desired the triumph of pagan principles will receive pagan dominion. But the Lord will not abandon His people in their trials, and in the end the disasters through which the people must pass can be turned to their benefit.