Charles Ellicott Commentary Hosea 11:4

"I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love; and I was to them as they that lift up the yoke on their jaws; and I laid food before them." — Hosea 11:4 (ASV)

Cords of a man.— In contrast with the cords with which unmanageable beasts are held in check. Israel is led with “bands of love,” not of compulsion. Render the last clause, And gently towards them I gave food to eat, expressing the tenderness, delicacy, and condescension of His personal regard.