Hosea 11:4

I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.

I drew {H4900} them with cords {H2256} of a man {H120}, with bands {H5688} of love {H160}: and I was to them as they that take off {H7311} the yoke {H5923} on their jaws {H3895}, and I laid {H5186} meat {H398} unto them.

who was guiding them on through human means with reins made of love. With them I was like someone removing the yoke from their jaws, and I bent down to feed them.

I led them with cords of kindness, with ropes of love; I lifted the yoke from their necks and bent down to feed them.

I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love; and I was to them as they that lift up the yoke on their jaws; and I laid food before them.

Commentary on Hosea 11:4 KJV

Hosea 11:4 offers a tender glimpse into God's compassionate and relational approach to His people, Israel. Despite their persistent rebellion and spiritual infidelity, God describes His drawing power not as forceful or coercive, but as gentle, loving, and nurturing, akin to a caring parent or a merciful master.

Context

Hosea 11 is a profoundly moving chapter that uses the metaphor of a parent-child relationship to illustrate God's deep, enduring love for Israel, His chosen nation. It begins by recalling Israel's infancy, recounting how God called them out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1) and nurtured them. Despite this unwavering love and provision, Israel continually turned away to idolatry. Verse 4 stands as a poignant declaration of God's merciful methods, contrasting His persistent grace with their unfaithfulness, highlighting His desire to draw them back through love rather than judgment alone.

Key Themes

  • Divine Love and Compassion: The central theme is God's profound and unwavering love for His people. He doesn't coerce but draws them with affection, emphasizing His merciful nature.
  • Gentle Leading vs. Force: The imagery of "cords of a man" and "bands of love" emphasizes God's method of persuasion and tender care. He appeals to their humanity and reason, desiring a willing response rather than compelled obedience.
  • Relief and Provision: God is portrayed as one who alleviates burdens ("take off the yoke on their jaws") and abundantly provides for needs ("laid meat unto them"). This speaks to His role as a caring provider who desires rest and sustenance for His beloved.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cords of a man" (Hebrew: ḥevlei 'adam) is crucial. It contrasts with the harsh ropes used to drive animals, suggesting a humane, gentle, and rational appeal. It implies a drawing that respects their personhood, guided by relational love rather than brute force. The "bands of love" (Hebrew: 'ahavah) reinforce that His drawing is motivated by deep affection. The action of "taking off the yoke" (Hebrew: yārîm 'ol) literally means to lift the yoke, signifying a release from burden and a granting of rest, much like a farmer would ease the load on his weary oxen. "Laid meat unto them" (Hebrew: qirēv mō'khel) speaks of bringing food close, indicating direct and personal provision for their sustenance.

Related Scriptures

  • God's compassionate, fatherly love is also beautifully described in Psalm 103:13, where He is said to pity those who fear Him, as a father pities his children.
  • The theme of divine provision and care is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in Matthew 6:26, where Jesus speaks of God feeding the birds of the air, implying His greater care for humanity.
  • The concept of God's drawing power is also present in the New Testament, as seen in John 6:44, where Jesus states that no one can come to Him unless the Father draws them.

Practical Application

Hosea 11:4 provides immense comfort and insight into the character of God. It reminds us that His leading is not harsh or burdensome, but always rooted in love and a desire for our well-being. For believers, this verse encourages us to trust in God's gentle guidance, especially when we feel weighed down by life's challenges. It assures us that God desires to take off our yokes and provide rest. For those exploring faith, it reveals a God who doesn't coerce but lovingly invites, offering sustenance and freedom from heavy burdens, fostering a relationship built on trust and affection.

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.

  • John 12:32

    And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto me.

  • Leviticus 26:13

    I [am] the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:14

    For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

  • Isaiah 63:9

    In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

  • Jeremiah 31:2

    Thus saith the LORD, The people [which were] left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; [even] Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.

  • Jeremiah 31:3

    The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

  • Hosea 2:8

    For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, [which] they prepared for Baal.

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