What is the context?
The Lord asks how He could surrender Ephraim and Israel to the fate of Admah and Zeboiim. Stirred compassion interrupts the announced destruction.
His refusal to execute the full fury of anger is grounded in being God rather than man and the Holy One among them. Holiness here is joined with mercy, not only distance.
The lion’s roar now gathers trembling children from Egypt and Assyria into homes. An earlier image of tearing judgment becomes a call of return.
The final line again contrasts Ephraim’s deceit and Judah’s relative faithfulness. The next chapter will also bring a charge against Judah, so the contrast is not permanent moral immunity.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley understands the stirred heart as human-style language expressing undeserved grace, without claiming that God is indecisive. He also gives the gathering lion a gospel reading. The first task is still to hear the promised compassion for the people named in Hosea’s speech.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.
Where can I study this further?
No deeper study linked yet.