Hosea 11:1-12
V. 1 is quoted in Matthew 2:15 on the occasion of the flight into Egypt of the infant Jesus. Israel having failed entirely, God brings in His Son in their place (cf. Isaiah 49:3). He is to begin the nation’s history over again, this time entirely to the glory of God.
Having thus mysteriously marked out the One who will fulfil His thoughts of grace and salvation, God can allow His heart to speak freely. The punishment He has been obliged to execute has been still more painful for Himself than for the nation. His fatherly compassion have been awakened towards the wayward child. He recalls how He had taught Ephraim to walk, "taking them by their arms," giving them dainty food (Hosea 2:8). He had delivered them from bondage and bound them to Himself, but with cords of love. How sad it is to see Ephraim at the same time unaware of their moral ruin (Hosea 7:9) and of the care exercised by divine love. "They knew not that I healed them" (v. 3).
You, friend, who have perhaps strayed away from the Lord for quite a long while, should realise that all this time He has been working to restore you. His mercy is the answer to your misery. Does it not touch your heart? Let Him draw you and bring you back by the cords of His love.