Matthew Henry Commentary Hosea 11:8-12

"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. I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee; and I will not come in wrath. They shall walk after Jehovah, who will roar like a lion; for he will roar, and the children shall come trembling from the west. They shall come trembling as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will make them to dwell in their houses, saith Jehovah. Ephraim compasseth me about with falsehood, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the Holy One." — Hosea 11:8-12 (ASV)

God is slow to anger and is unwilling to abandon a people to utter ruin who have been called by His name. When God was to give a sacrifice for sin and a Savior for sinners, He did not spare His own Son, so that He might spare us. This is the language of the day of His patience; but when people sin that patience away, then the great day of His wrath comes.

Human compassion is nothing in comparison with the tender mercies of our God, whose thoughts and ways in receiving returning sinners are as much above ours as heaven is above the earth. God knows how to pardon poor sinners. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and in this declares His righteousness, now that Christ has purchased the pardon and He has promised it.

Holy trembling at the word of Christ will draw us to Him, not drive us from Him; the children tremble and flee to Him. And all who come at the gospel call will have a place and a name in the gospel church. The religious service of Israel was mere hypocrisy, but in Judah regard was shown for God's laws, and the people followed their pious forefathers.

Let us be faithful: those who thus honor God, He will honor; but those who despise Him will be lightly esteemed.