The Book of Hosea: Chapter 11

This is more indications of Israel's wickedness, but there are also some excellent examples of the Lord's love and mercy for us.

Verses 1-2

When Israel was righteous, the Lord knew them and blessed them. We see the proof of this in the early Bible stories...specifically the Exodus leading up toKing David. Then in verse 2 it shows that something changed. They were now worshipping false gods and idols.

Verse 3

I love verse. The Lord is saying that it was He who healed them, "but they knew not that I healed them". It's very sad for sure. It's a great lesson to us on gratitude. Do we express thanks to him every time he heals us? Do we recognize all the ways he heals us or helps us? Read also Luke 17:11-19.

Verse 4

This is a great scripture. The Lord was telling Israel what they could have. Amid everything they've done, he gave another plea. This plea is also for us. Compare this to Matthew 11:28-30, which is probably one of the best scriptures we have. The Lord will bear our burdens and nourish us. In return he asks that we bear the burden he gives to us, which is much lighter than the burden we would have if he had not been our advocate with the Father by atoning for our sins. After reading the verses in Mathew, try to use the yoke (pictured above) and liken it to the burdens we carry through this life. The ones we are inherently born with, the ones we bring upon ourselves, and the ones the Lord has born for us and the ones he asks us to bear.

Verse 7

This verse describes again the stubborn nature of the Israelites, definitely not teachable. The verb "backsliding" is used to describe this.

Verse 8

This verse is a pretty tender verse. Obviously the Lord knows what to do, so these questions aren't coming from a parent that doesn't know all the answers. The phrase "my heart is turned within me" indicates a lot of pain. This is a good scripture to show we and our Heavenly parents, and Jesus are alike. His great love for Israel (and for us) makes it so that when they were "backsliding" (or when we are) he feels great pain.