Hosea 11:11
They will come trembling like birds from Egypt and like doves from the land of Assyria. Then I will settle them in their homes, declares the LORD.
They will come trembling
The phrase "They will come trembling" evokes a sense of reverence and awe. The Hebrew root for "trembling" is "חרד" (charad), which can imply fear, reverence, or a deep emotional response. Historically, this reflects the Israelites' return from exile, a journey filled with both anticipation and fear of the unknown. The trembling signifies a recognition of God's power and mercy, as they return to Him with humility and repentance.

like birds from Egypt
The imagery of "birds from Egypt" is significant. Birds often symbolize freedom and the ability to transcend earthly limitations. Egypt, in biblical history, represents a place of bondage and oppression. The Israelites' exodus from Egypt is a foundational narrative of liberation. Here, the comparison to birds suggests a swift and divinely guided return to freedom, echoing the miraculous deliverance of the past.

and like doves from the land of Assyria
"Doves" are symbols of peace and innocence. The mention of "Assyria" is historically pertinent, as Assyria was a dominant power that conquered and exiled the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The return "like doves" suggests a peaceful and gentle restoration, contrasting with the violence and turmoil of exile. It highlights God's promise of peace and restoration for His people, even from the most formidable of oppressors.

and I will settle them in their homes
The promise "I will settle them in their homes" speaks to God's covenant faithfulness. The Hebrew root "שׁכן" (shakan) means to dwell or abide, indicating a permanent and secure habitation. This reflects God's intention to restore Israel not just physically, but spiritually, re-establishing them in the land He promised to their ancestors. It is a reassurance of stability and divine provision.

declares the LORD
The phrase "declares the LORD" underscores the authority and certainty of the promise. In Hebrew, "נאם יהוה" (ne'um Yahweh) is a prophetic formula that affirms the divine origin of the message. It assures the reader of God's unchanging nature and His sovereign ability to fulfill His promises. This declaration is a reminder of God's ultimate control over history and His unwavering commitment to His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israel
The northern kingdom of Israel, often referred to as Ephraim in Hosea, is the primary audience of this prophecy. They are depicted as a wayward child whom God desires to restore.

2. Egypt
A place of historical bondage for Israel, symbolizing oppression and captivity. In this context, it represents a place from which God will deliver His people.

3. Assyria
A powerful empire and a significant threat to Israel during Hosea's time. It symbolizes another place of captivity from which God promises to bring His people back.

4. God (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who expresses His enduring love and commitment to His people despite their unfaithfulness.

5. Prophet Hosea
The messenger of God, delivering a message of both judgment and hope to the people of Israel.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Restoration
Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains committed to restoring His people. This demonstrates His unwavering faithfulness and love.

The Symbolism of Birds
The imagery of birds and doves signifies both vulnerability and the swiftness of God's deliverance. It reminds us of our dependence on God for protection and guidance.

Hope Amidst Judgment
Even in the context of judgment, God provides a message of hope. This encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.

The Call to Return
Just as God calls Israel to return from captivity, He calls us to return to Him from our spiritual wanderings. This is a call to repentance and renewed relationship with God.

God's Sovereign Plan
God's declaration to settle His people in their homes highlights His sovereignty and control over history. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is in control of their lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of birds and doves in Hosea 11:11 enhance our understanding of God's deliverance?

2. In what ways does God's promise to settle His people in their homes provide comfort and assurance to believers today?

3. How can we apply the message of hope and restoration in Hosea 11:11 to our personal lives and spiritual journeys?

4. What parallels can we draw between Israel's historical captivity and our own spiritual captivities or struggles?

5. How does the theme of God's faithfulness in Hosea 11:11 connect with other scriptures that speak of God's covenant love and promises?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 19:4
This verse speaks of God bringing Israel out of Egypt on "eagles' wings," which parallels the imagery of God delivering His people from captivity in Hosea 11:11.

Isaiah 60:8
This verse uses the imagery of doves flying to their windows, similar to the doves returning in Hosea 11:11, symbolizing the return and restoration of God's people.

Jeremiah 31:10
This passage speaks of God gathering His people from the ends of the earth, echoing the theme of restoration found in Hosea 11:11.
Divine RelentingsJ. Orr Hosea 11:8-11
Mercy Seasons JusticeC. Jerdan Hosea 11:8-11
People
Hosea
Places
Admah, Assyria, Egypt, Zeboiim
Topics
Affirmation, Asshur, Assyria, Bird, Birds, Cause, Caused, Declares, Dove, Doves, Dwell, Egypt, Fear, Hasten, Homes, Houses, Rest, Return, Says, Settle, Shaking, Sparrow, Tremble, Trembling
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Hosea 11:11

     4612   birds
     4636   dove

Hosea 11:10-11

     6629   conversion, examples

Library
Heaven's Nurse Children
The next sweet word in the chapter is sonship; "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt." We are, according to the inspired apostle, "predestinated unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will." Ephesians 1:5. Adoption follows hard upon the heels of election, and is another messenger of good tidings. Innumerable blessings come to us by this door. "Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
Several interpreters, Paulus especially, have asserted that the interpretation of Micah which is here given, was that of the Sanhedrim only, and not of the Evangelist, who merely recorded what happened and was said. But this assertion is at once refuted when we consider the object which Matthew has in view in his entire representation of the early life of Jesus. His object in recording the early life of Jesus is not like that of Luke, viz., to communicate historical information to his readers.
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children.
(Bethlehem and Road Thence to Egypt, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 13-18. ^a 13 Now when they were departed [The text favors the idea that the arrival and departure of the magi and the departure of Joseph for Egypt, all occurred in one night. If so, the people of Bethlehem knew nothing of these matters], behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise [this command calls for immediate departure] and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt [This land was ever the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Eleventh Day. The Holy one of Israel.
I am the Lord that brought you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God; ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. I the Lord which make you holy, am holy.'--Lev. xi. 45, xxi. 8. 'I am the Lord Thy God, the Holy One of Israel, Thy Saviour. Thus saith the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.'--Isa. xliii. 3, 14, 15. In the book of Exodus we found God making provision for the Holiness of His people. In the holy
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Quotations from the Old Testament in the New.
1. As it respects inspiration, and consequent infallible authority, the quotations of the New Testament stand on a level with the rest of the apostolic writings. The Saviour's promise was: "When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth;" literally, "into all the truth," that is, as immediately explained, all the truth pertaining to the Redeemer's person and work. When, therefore, after the fulfilment of this promise, Peter and the other apostles expounded to their brethren
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Perseverance Proved.
2. I REMARK, that God is able to preserve and keep the true saints from apostacy, in consistency with their liberty: 2 Tim. i. 12: "For the which cause I also suffer these things; nevertheless, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." Here the apostle expresses the fullest confidence in the ability of Christ to keep him: and indeed, as has been said, it is most manifest that the apostles expected
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

Spiritual Hunger Shall be Satisfied
They shall be filled. Matthew 5:6 I proceed now to the second part of the text. A promise annexed. They shall be filled'. A Christian fighting with sin is not like one that beats the air' (1 Corinthians 9:26), and his hungering after righteousness is not like one that sucks in only air, Blessed are they that hunger, for they shall be filled.' Those that hunger after righteousness shall be filled. God never bids us seek him in vain' (Isaiah 45:19). Here is an honeycomb dropping into the mouths of
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Hosea
The book of Hosea divides naturally into two parts: i.-iii. and iv.-xiv., the former relatively clear and connected, the latter unusually disjointed and obscure. The difference is so unmistakable that i.-iii. have usually been assigned to the period before the death of Jeroboam II, and iv.-xiv. to the anarchic period which succeeded. Certainly Hosea's prophetic career began before the end of Jeroboam's reign, as he predicts the fall of the reigning dynasty, i. 4, which practically ended with Jeroboam's
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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