Hosea 11-14

“It was I who taught Ephraim to walk …I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love …” (11:3-4).  God loved Ephraim (Israel) as a beloved child, yet they turned away from His protection to serve idols and were attacked by pagan nations.  Still, God didn’t give up on them, and He made a way for many to come home.  “We will say no more, 'Our God,' to the work of our hands. In you the orphan finds mercy" (14:3). 

Like Israel, sin makes us “orphans” until we return to our Father, who welcomes us.  “I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them” (14:4).