Hosea 11:10

They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.

They shall walk {H3212} after {H310} the LORD {H3068}: he shall roar {H7580} like a lion {H738}: when he shall roar {H7580}, then the children {H1121} shall tremble {H2729} from the west {H3220}.

They will go after ADONAI, who will roar like a lion; for he will roar, and the children will come trembling from the west.

They will walk after the LORD; He will roar like a lion. When He roars, His children will come trembling from the west.

They shall walk after Jehovah, who will roar like a lion; for he will roar, and the children shall come trembling from the west.

Hosea 11:10 paints a vivid picture of God's powerful call to His scattered people and their future response. Following a lament over Israel's unfaithfulness, this verse pivots to a hopeful prophecy of restoration, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, even in the face of their rebellion.

Context

The Book of Hosea primarily addresses the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) during a period of spiritual decline and political instability. Chapter 11 beautifully illustrates God's deep, paternal love for Israel, recalling how He called them out of Egypt and nurtured them, only for them to repeatedly turn to idolatry. Yet, despite their unfaithfulness, God's compassion prevails. Verse 10 looks beyond the immediate judgment and scattering, prophesying a future time when the scattered Israelites will return to Him, drawn by His authoritative voice. It’s a promise of future repentance and a renewed covenant relationship, foreshadowing the ultimate restoration of Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Call: The imagery of the LORD "roaring like a lion" signifies His supreme power, undeniable authority, and a compelling call that demands attention. Unlike a roar of mere aggression, this is a majestic sound that signals a divine summons, leading to a profound and decisive response. It underscores God's sovereignty over all nations and His specific will for His people.
  • Restoration from Exile: The phrase "tremble from the west" refers to the return of the exiled Israelites from distant lands, particularly those scattered across the Mediterranean region and beyond. This trembling is not necessarily fear, but an eager and urgent haste to respond to God's summons and return to their homeland and to Him. This echoes prophecies of gathering in other books, such as Isaiah 11:11-12 and Jeremiah 31:8, emphasizing God's ultimate plan for His people.
  • Obedience and Following God: The opening phrase, "They shall walk after the LORD," is central. It indicates a future state of obedience and devotion, a turning away from their past idolatry and rebellion to wholeheartedly follow God's ways. This "walking" implies a journey of faith and adherence to His commands, reflecting a renewed covenant relationship and a spiritual revival.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "roar" is sha'ag (שָׁאַג), which powerfully conveys the sound of a lion, symbolizing strength, majesty, and an authoritative declaration. It's often associated with God's voice in judgment or proclamation, as seen in Amos 1:2, but here it is a summons to return.
  • The term "tremble" comes from the Hebrew charad (חָרַד). While it can mean to be afraid, in this context, especially combined with the idea of "walking after the LORD," it carries the nuance of trembling with eagerness, urgency, or reverential awe to respond to God's powerful call. It's a quick, decisive movement towards Him, driven by a compelling divine summons rather than mere terror.
  • "From the west" is literally "from the sea" (miy-yām), referring to the Mediterranean Sea, which was west of Israel. This idiomatically represents distant lands and the global scattering of the Jewish people, from which they would be gathered.

Practical Application

Hosea 11:10 offers profound hope and a timeless reminder of God's faithfulness. Just as God promised to call His ancient people back, He continues to call individuals and communities today. His "roar" can be understood as His authoritative Word, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, or the providential circumstances that draw us to Him. Our response should be one of eager obedience and heartfelt return, a willingness to "walk after the LORD" in all aspects of our lives. This verse encourages us to listen for His voice and to trust in His promise of restoration, even when circumstances seem bleak, knowing that His ultimate plan is to gather and bless His people, leading them into a deeper relationship with Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Joel 3:16

    The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD [will be] the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

  • Amos 1:2

    And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither.

  • Isaiah 31:4

    For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, [he] will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.

  • Jeremiah 25:30

    ¶ Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread [the grapes], against all the inhabitants of the earth.

  • Isaiah 64:2

    As [when] the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, [that] the nations may tremble at thy presence!

  • Jeremiah 31:9

    They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim [is] my firstborn.

  • Jeremiah 7:6

    [If] ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt:
← Back