Section 11:1–11 The LORD’s love for his people
This section refers back to Israel’s history, as do Section 9:10–17 and Section 10:1–8. In all three sections, the LORD describes the joyful beginning of his relationship with the people of Israel and their response of betrayal against him. The earlier sections focus more on the LORD’s punishment. The people will be taken into exile. This section focuses more on his love.
The LORD speaks of his love for Israel in the past (11:1–4), warns them of their future exile and destruction (11:5–7), and assures them that in the future he will turn from his anger and show them compassion. Because of his love for them, he promises that he will bring the people back to the land of Israel (11:8–11).
Here are some other examples of section headings:
The Lord’s Love for Israel (English Standard Version)
-or-
Israel Is Like a Bad Son (God’s Word)
Throughout this section, the LORD is the speaker. When he refers to himself, he uses first person pronouns (“I/me/my”) except for verse 10, which has “Yahweh” and “he.” When he refers to the people or nation of Israel, he uses “Ephraim,” “they/them,” or “he/it.” The only exceptions are in 11:8–9. There the LORD uses the pronoun “you(sg)” to speak directly to Ephraim and to Judah.
Paragraph 11:1–4
In this paragraph, the LORD describes his love and care for the nation of Israel during its early days.
11:1
This verse uses a metaphor that compares the nation of Israel to a child/son. It also compares the LORD to the loving parent of the child. The figure of speech here may refer indirectly to Exodus 4:22, 23. There it says:
22 Then say to Pharaoh, ‘This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstborn son, 23 and I told you, “Let my son go, so he may worship me.”….’ ”
11:1a–b
Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:
1a
When Israel was a child, I loved him,
1b and out of Egypt I called My son.
11:1a
When Israel was a child, I loved him: These clauses refer to the time when Israel became a new/young nation during the exodus from Egypt.
In some languages, it may be more natural to reverse the order of the clauses. For example:
I loved Israel when he was a child.
child: The Hebrew word for child is masculine here. It can refer to a very young boy just weaned or to an older child or young man. In 11:3, it describes a young child who is still learning to walk and needs the protection and care of his parents. Use a word in your language that refers to a young male child of that age.
loved: The Hebrew word for “love” has a broad range of meaning. In this context, it refers to the deep love, affection and loyalty that a father has for his son.
11:1b
and out of Egypt I called My son: This clause refers to Israel’s past, when the LORD delivered the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt.
Matthew 2:15 also quotes this clause. There the phrase “My son” refers to Christ.
called: In this context, the Hebrew word for called may have two meanings simultaneously:
(a) “to summon”
(b) “to name/designate”
Both meanings apply to Israel at the time when they left Egypt. On that occasion, the LORD named/adopted Israel as his son. It was also when he summoned the people of Israel to leave Egypt. For example:
And called him out of Egypt as my son. (Good News Translation)
In many languages, it may not be possible to translate both meanings simultaneously. Many versions follow meaning (a) and leave meaning (b) implied.
General Comment on 11:1
In some languages, it may not be natural to refer to a nation as a child or a son (singular). It may be necessary to use plural terms such as children or sons. For example:
The Lord says, “I have great love for the descendants of Israel, who are like my children. When they were young, I called them to leave Egypt. (Tuwali Ifugao Back Translation)
It may also be more natural to combine and/or reorder the verse parts. For example:
The LORD says, 1b “When I summoned the people of Israel to leave Egypt, 1a I loved them and chose them to be my own children.
If you use plural terms, as in the preceding examples, consider adding a footnote for the benefit of readers who may not see the connection with Matthew 2:15. Here is a suggested footnote:
In the Hebrew language, this verse refers to Israel as “child (singular)” and “my son.” See Matthew 2:15.
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