Matthew Henry Commentary Hosea 11:1-7

"When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. The more [the prophets] called them, the more they went from them: they sacrificed unto the Baalim, and burned incense to graven images. Yet I taught Ephraim to walk; I took them on my arms; but they knew not that I healed them. 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. They shall not return into the land of Egypt; but the Assyrian shall be their king, because they refused to return [to me]. And the sword shall fall upon their cities, and shall consume their bars, and devour [them], because of their own counsels. And my people are bent on backsliding from me: though they call them to [him that is] on high, none at all will exalt [him]." — Hosea 11:1-7 (ASV)

When Israel were weak and helpless like children, foolish and willful like children, then God loved them; He carried them as a nurse carries a nursing child, nourished them, and endured their ways. All who are grown up should often reflect upon God's goodness to them in their childhood. He took care of them and took pains with them, not only as a father or a tutor, but as a mother or nurse.

When they were in the wilderness, God showed them the way they should go and held them up, taking them by the arms. He taught them the way of His commandments through the ceremonial law given by Moses. He took them by the arms to guide them, so they would not stray, and to hold them up, so they would not stumble and fall. God's spiritual Israel are all supported in this way.

It is God's work to draw poor souls to Himself, and no one can come to Him unless He draws them. With bands of love He draws them; this phrase signifies stronger cords than the former. He eased them of the burdens under which they had long groaned. Israel is very ungrateful to God. God's counsels would have saved them, but their own counsels ruined them.

They backslide; there is no holding them, no steadfastness in them. They backslide from Me—from God, the chief good. They are bent on backsliding; they are ready to sin; they readily give in to every temptation. Their hearts are fully set on doing evil. Only those are truly happy whom the Lord teaches by His Spirit, upholds by His power, and causes to walk in His ways.

By His grace He takes away the love and dominion of sin, and creates a desire for the blessed feast of the gospel, so that they may feed on it and live forever.