I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I [am] God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city.
I will not execute {H6213} the fierceness {H2740} of mine anger {H639}, I will not return {H7725} to destroy {H7843} Ephraim {H669}: for I am God {H410}, and not man {H376}; the Holy One {H6918} in the midst {H7130} of thee: and I will not enter {H935} into the city {H5892}.
I will not give vent to the fierceness of my rage, I will not return to destroy Efrayim; for I am God, not a human being, the Holy One among you; so I will not come in fury.
I will not execute the full fury of My anger; I will not turn back to destroy Ephraim. For I am God and not man— the Holy One among you— and I will not come in wrath.
I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee; and I will not come in wrath.
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Numbers 23:19
God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? -
Micah 7:18
Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy. -
Micah 7:20
Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, [and] the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old. -
Isaiah 12:6
Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee. -
Jeremiah 30:11
For I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished. -
Isaiah 55:8
For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD. -
Isaiah 55:9
For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Hosea 11:9 delivers a profound message of God's enduring mercy and unique character amidst His people's rebellion. Despite the prophet Hosea detailing Israel's (referred to as Ephraim) deep unfaithfulness and the impending judgment, this verse highlights God's steadfast love and divine restraint, declaring that He will not execute the full fierceness of His anger nor utterly destroy them.
Context
The Book of Hosea primarily addresses the northern kingdom of Israel, often symbolized by its dominant tribe, Ephraim. Through the prophet Hosea's own tumultuous marriage, God illustrates His covenant relationship with Israel—a relationship marked by Israel's spiritual adultery and idolatry. Chapters leading up to this verse describe God's tender love for Israel from its infancy, His bringing them out of Egypt, and their subsequent turning away to Baal worship and reliance on foreign alliances. God expresses deep sorrow and anger over their unfaithfulness, even pronouncing severe judgments and the prospect of exile. However, Hosea 11:8-11 marks a dramatic shift, revealing God's internal struggle between His justice and His compassion, ultimately culminating in His decision to show mercy.
Key Themes
Divine Mercy and Restraint
The opening lines, "I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim," are a powerful testament to God's immense compassion. Despite Israel's persistent rebellion and deserving judgment, God declares that He will hold back the full measure of His wrath. This reveals a divine reluctance to utterly annihilate, showcasing His enduring love and willingness to preserve a remnant, even when humanly speaking, destruction seems inevitable.
God's Unique Nature
The pivotal reason for God's restraint is articulated: "for I am God, and not man." This foundational truth differentiates God's character from human fallibility. Unlike humans, who are prone to impulsive anger, vindictiveness, or changing their minds, God's nature is perfectly consistent, just, and merciful. His decisions are not swayed by fleeting emotions but rooted in His eternal, unchanging character. This concept is also echoed in Numbers 23:19, emphasizing God's truthfulness and reliability.
The Holy One's Enduring Presence
The phrase "the Holy One in the midst of thee" emphasizes God's intrinsic holiness and His continued presence among His people, even in their unfaithfulness. His holiness demands justice and purity, but His presence also signifies His unwavering commitment to His covenant. The concluding statement, "and I will not enter into the city," can be interpreted as God not entering Samaria (the capital of Ephraim) as a destructive force, but rather as a preserving and restoring presence, preventing ultimate annihilation and promising a future restoration. This divine presence, even in the midst of a sinful people, underscores His faithfulness.
Linguistic Insights
The term "Holy One" (Hebrew: qadosh, קָדוֹשׁ) is significant. It describes God's absolute moral purity, transcendence, and separation from all sin and imperfection. It highlights His perfect righteousness and sets Him apart from fallible humanity. This attribute, paradoxically, is the very basis for His mercy; because He is perfectly holy, His love is pure and unfailing, not subject to human caprice or exhaustion. His holiness, seen in passages like Isaiah 6:3, ensures His character is always true to His promises.
Practical Application
Hosea 11:9 offers profound comfort and enduring hope for believers today. It reminds us that God's patience and mercy are infinitely greater than our failures and shortcomings. Even when we stray or fall short, His character is not like fickle human anger, but is steadfast love and faithfulness. This verse beautifully illustrates the unfailing mercies of God, which are new every morning. It reassures us that God's holiness does not preclude compassion, but rather perfects it. There is always hope for repentance, forgiveness, and restoration because our God is not merely man, but the Holy One who delights in mercy.