Hosea 11:1
What is written? (ESV)
When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.
What does it say?
When Israel was young, I (God) loved him, and out of Egypt I called (saved) my son.
What is its immediate context?
This chapter appears to begin a distinct prophecy from God (through Hosea). The personification of the nation of Israel – God’s chosen people – is not at all unique in the Old Testament. After referring to the love for His people and His saving them from bondage in Egypt, there is a rebuke of their behavior in return, “The more they were called, the more they went away; they kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to idols” (vs 2). The prophecy continues recounting their history and specifically calling out God’s “kindness” (vs 4) toward them and their rebellion against Him (“the people are bent on turning away from me” vs 7).
Matthew applies the words about Israel’s exodus to Jesus being brought out of Egypt after the family’s flight there (Matthew 2:13-15).
How Hosea 11:1 is applied across Bible answers
Can we interpret Bible prophecy?
There is nothing about this verse that would allow for the interpretation that Matthew made regarding Jesus. First, Hosea wrote this some 700+ years before Christ (and Matthew). Second, the very next verse speaks of rebellion and sacrificing to idols (certainly not about Jesus). We can only know this is speaking about Jesus because of an inspired writer's interpretation.
Top 5: Dual fulfillment in prophecy?
God, through Hosea, professes His love for His people and His redemptive work, saving them from the bondage in Egypt.
God, through the prophet Hosea, delivers a chapter-long rebuke and judgment for the nation of Israel. Matthew applies only the second part of this sentence -- "out of Egypt I called my son" -- to Jesus and the family's return from Egypt after fleeing there to avoid Herod's edict to kill all the firstborn males. (Matthew 2:15)
