Hosea 11:5

He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return.

He shall not return {H7725} into the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, but the Assyrian {H804} shall be his king {H4428}, because they refused {H3985} to return {H7725}.

He will not return to the land of Egypt, but Ashur will be his king, because they refused to repent.

Will they not return to the land of Egypt and be ruled by Assyria because they refused to repent?

They shall not return into the land of Egypt; but the Assyrian shall be their king, because they refused to return to me.

Commentary

Context of Hosea 11:5

Hosea, a prophet to the Northern Kingdom of Israel (often referred to as Ephraim) in the 8th century BC, delivers God's message of both love and judgment. This verse comes amidst a passage where God expresses His deep affection for Israel, recalling how He called them out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1). However, despite His steadfast love, Israel continually turned to idolatry and sought alliances with foreign powers rather than trusting in the Lord. Hosea 11:5 specifically addresses the futility of their political maneuvering and the inevitable consequence of their spiritual rebellion.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Consequences: The verse clearly states that Israel's reliance on Egypt for help will fail. Instead of returning to Egypt for protection, they will face the judgment of Assyrian domination. This highlights God's sovereign control over nations and His willingness to use foreign powers as instruments of correction when His people stubbornly refuse to repent.
  • Refusal to Repent (The Core Issue): The phrase "because they refused to return" is central to the verse's meaning. It points to Israel's spiritual stubbornness and their unwillingness to turn back to God despite His repeated warnings and appeals. This refusal to repent is the direct cause of their impending subjugation.
  • Prophecy of Assyrian Exile: Hosea 11:5 explicitly foretells the coming Assyrian conquest and the subsequent exile of the Northern Kingdom, a historical event fulfilled in 722 BC. This served as a stark warning to a nation teetering on the brink of destruction due to its persistent sin. The Assyrian king would indeed become their ruler, leading to their captivity (2 Kings 17:6).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "return" in "He shall not return into the land of Egypt" and "because they refused to return" is the same: shuv (שׁוּב). This word carries a powerful double meaning. In the first instance, it refers to a physical return, implying that Israel will not find refuge or go back to Egypt as they desired. In the second, crucial instance, "they refused to shuv," it signifies a spiritual turning, or repentance. Israel's fundamental failure was not merely their political misjudgment, but their deep-seated refusal to turn back to God, to change their ways, and to honor their covenant with Him.

Practical Application

Hosea 11:5 serves as a timeless reminder of the consequences of spiritual stubbornness. Just as Israel sought refuge in worldly alliances instead of trusting God, we too can be tempted to rely on our own strength, human systems, or even other people, rather than seeking divine guidance. The verse underscores the importance of genuine repentance and turning back to God when we stray. Ignoring God's warnings and refusing to change our ways can lead to undesired and divinely ordained consequences. Our ultimate security and well-being are found not in external powers or self-reliance, but in faithful obedience and a trusting relationship with the Lord.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hosea 7:16

    They return, [but] not to the most High: they are like a deceitful bow: their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue: this [shall be] their derision in the land of Egypt.

  • Hosea 8:13

    They sacrifice flesh [for] the sacrifices of mine offerings, and eat [it; but] the LORD accepteth them not; now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins: they shall return to Egypt.

  • Hosea 10:6

    It shall be also carried unto Assyria [for] a present to king Jareb: Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.

  • Hosea 9:3

    They shall not dwell in the LORD'S land; but Ephraim shall return to Egypt, and they shall eat unclean [things] in Assyria.

  • 2 Kings 17:13

    Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, [and by] all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments [and] my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets.

  • 2 Kings 17:14

    Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.

  • Jeremiah 8:4

    ΒΆ Moreover thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD; Shall they fall, and not arise? shall he turn away, and not return?
← Back