Gods Love

Hosea 11:1-4: When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. But the more I called Israel, the further they went from me. They sacrificed to the Baals and they burned incense to images. It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck an bent down to feed them.

Commentary from "Today in the Word" regarding Hosea 11:1-4:

"Israel failed to know and understand God, both before and after Hosea's message and the ensuing Exile. Today's reading portrays Israel's sinfulness as even more disappointing when contrasted with God's tender love. Hosea has given us multiple perspectives of God's love and our relationship to Him, including the image of God as husband, master, and provider.

In Hosea 11, God is depicted as a loving father in an endearing image of teaching His child to walk. God not only gave life to Israel but he also reared them gently and personally. God didn't force His children to survive and grow on their own; He came alongside them and helped them in love.

Hosea reiterated the image of Israel as a beast of burden, this time describing God as a compassionate master who eased the burden and kindly fed them. Despite all the myriad of ways God showed love to His people, they did not recognize Him as the One who loved them. Israel fled from His calls and showed their love to other gods, a reaction to which many parents can sadly relate. The verse describing God's call to His rebellious children was also prophetic of Jesus' return from Egypt after fleeing with Joseph and Mary from Herod's wrath (cf.Matt. 2:15). Israel lefty Egypt only to fall into idolatry immediately, but Jesus returned to save His people from their sin. Both times, Israel failed to recognize the merciful love of the Father."

More....