Hosea 11:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Concerning Cyrus, the prophecy continues, describing how a lion will emerge from its lair, laying waste to the land and leaving cities desolate and uninhabited (Jeremiah 4:7). Isaiah affirms that God granted authority to Cyrus, proclaiming: "This saith the Lord... to my anointed Cyrus, whom I have taken by the right hand. I will cause nations to yield before him, and I will overthrow the strongholds of kings; I will open the gates before him so that they shall not be shut. I will go before you and make the mountains level; I will break the brass gates and cut through iron bars; I will give you treasures hidden in darkness, and I will reveal riches stored in secret places" (Isaiah 45:1-3). Thus, after Cyrus triumphed over the Babylonians, he liberated the Israelites, enabling their return and resettlement in their homeland. This event is foreshadowed by the prophet Hosea, who speaks of a roaring lion—a clear reference to Cyrus, suggesting that the conflict against Babylon would be severe. When he roars, the "children of the waters," meaning the Babylonians, will be gripped by terror, resembling creatures that are easily frightened and therefore vulnerable, akin to fish fleeing from mere shadows. Hence, when Cyrus sounds his fearsome battle cry against Babylon, the Babylonians, akin in cowardice to fish, will tremble. Consequently, like birds and doves, those who fled Egypt will escape from the Chaldeans and return to their land. In light of the blessings available to us, we should always direct our thoughts towards God and endeavor to fulfill His will, avoiding actions that would provoke His displeasure. By living in accordance with His ways and maintaining a pure heart, we may enjoy enduring happiness and be in good standing with the Lord.

The prophet Amos also affirms: ‘The Lord will roar from Zion, and He will give His voice from Jerusalem’ (Am. 1:2). He will declare, I will treat you as I did Adam and Seboim. When He sounds His voice, then the sons of the waters, which is a translation from the LXX, shall respond. The term maim, written with the letters mem, yod, and mem, signifies waters when pronounced as maim; and if read as mejam, it denotes sea. The Hebrews associate this with the anticipated arrival of Christ. However, in our faith, we believe this has been fulfilled; for from Egypt and from Assyria, representing east and west, as well as north and south, those who will rest with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob have come and continue to come (Matt. ch. 8). The term sons of the sea or waters may refer to those caught in the Lord's net, gathered from the sea of this age (Matt. 13:47). Upon their transition from death to life, they will be welcomed into their homes, referred to in the Gospel (Matt. chaps. 8 and 13) as the granary where the chosen wheat is collected. It is noted that the roar of lions induces such fear that all creatures tremble and are unable to move forward; this terror overwhelms them. Furthermore, when the voice of the Lord resonates like a lion's roar or thunder, all birds and winged beings will be frightened, retreating to their nests, which symbolizes their homes where the Lord will abide with them.

Let us offer another interpretation. When the roar of the true lion is heard, the false lion, symbolizing the adversary as described by the Apostle Peter (1 Pet. 5:8), will be silenced, and all false teachings will be unable to speak. Those who were previously ensnared will have gained freedom through the mighty roar of the true lion and will choose to follow the Lord their God. The sons of the sea or waters, born from the bitter, tumultuous waters of heresy, will experience fear and will take flight like birds from Egypt, ascending like doves from Assyria, exclaiming, Who will give me wings like a dove, that I might fly away and find rest (Psalms 54:7)? Thus, after enduring the trials caused by heretics, they will find peace within the Church and reside in their homes from which they had been led astray by error. As we recognize, the term Egypt, or Mesraim, denotes sorrow and affliction, while Assyria symbolizes rule or, more appropriately, accusation. Therefore, when they begin to dwell in their own homes, the heretics will be freed, realizing in their hearts, Your house is left to you desolate (Matt. 23:38).