Charles Ellicott Commentary Hosea 11:8

"How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? [how] shall I cast thee off, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? [how] shall I set thee as Zeboiim? my heart is turned within me, my compassions are kindled together." — Hosea 11:8 (ASV)

In the depth of despair, the prophet delivers one of the most poignant passages in Hebrew prophecy. On the darkest cloud gleams the bow of promise. A nation so beloved as Israel cannot be destroyed by Him who has fostered it so tenderly. As the prophet loved his faithless bride, so Jehovah continued to love His people.

The “how?” of this verse expresses the most extreme reluctance. Admah and Zeboim were cities of the plain destroyed with Sodom and Gomorrah, which are often referred to as the type of irremediable catastrophe (Isaiah 13:19; Matthew 10:15).

Mine heart is turned within me—Better, against me—a violent revulsion of feeling. Divine compassion pleads with Divine justice.