Hosea 11:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

If one were to inquire why and in what manner he endured suffering, or how Israel found itself enslaved by outsiders, he provides answers systematically: First, because he ‘did not wish to return,’ as even after receiving mercy, he proved negligent and unruly; next, due to the decline of ‘the weapons in his cities,’ since, as previously mentioned, there was no one capable of resisting the Assyrians or demonstrating skill in battle, as God was diminishing their military strength and instilling a sense of fear even in those robust in warfare.

There is another factor contributing to his submission to Assyria. What is this factor? - The people, represented by Ephraim, gravitated towards Assyria, desiring to leave ‘his dwelling’ and relocate to the land of the Persians and Medes. It is not to imply that Ephraim himself desired this move, but regarding his sinful actions, it was as if he sought such misfortunes, despite having the opportunity to escape divine wrath by pursuing a more virtuous and noble path. Thus, drawn towards Assyria and abandoning his homeland, he foolishly rushed into the territory of Assyria, despite God's clear warnings that calamity would surely befall him unless they repented. After reaching this state of degradation, ‘God will be angry with his holy one.’

The holy ones, the chosen and the noble among the nations, are clearly the kings and rulers who, alongside the common folk, have been tragically and shamefully taken captive as prisoners of war because they have led their subordinates astray and ensnared those who, if they had chosen, could have followed the righteous path (for rulers invariably lead their people). Therefore, they will be humiliated and cast aside, despite possessing great glory, as grandeur is inherently linked to royal authority. However, God will not ‘exalt’ them because, as I have often reiterated, the kingdom of Ephraim has come to an end.

Consequently, we Christians must be particularly cautious of the allure of wickedness, for if we neglect this, we willingly place upon ourselves the burden of sin, so to speak, being drawn by affection towards it and voluntarily submitting to its power to pursue what delights it. If this occurs, we will stir God's anger and subsequently find ourselves humbled, having a mindset rooted in the earthly, for God will withdraw from us and cease to guide us towards good.

Israel longs to turn to Egypt for assistance; instead, he was overtaken by the Assyrians, who dominated him as victors, which happened because he failed to repent and turn back to God. Alternatively, it can be said that he returned to Egypt when, in the Promised Land, he began to worship the gods of Egypt, or this can be understood in light of the previous statement: called the Egyptians, he journeyed to Assyria (Hosea 7:11). Thus the sword began either to invade his cities, as Aquila translated, or to inflict wounds, as Simmachus translated. Observe the severity of the afflictions: not the fields or villages shall suffer destruction, but the enemy will breach his cities and will obliterate the elect, or as Simmachus translates, their strength, referred to in Hebrew as baddan. When the sword strikes down the elect and the leaders or the might of the army, consuming either their heads or their strategies, rendering them incapable of finding aid, then the unfortunate populace, who would not turn to Me, shall await My return. They will regret their choices, but it will be too late, once the enemies have laid waste to everything. Given that great transgressions must face great consequences, a heavy burden of servitude will be laid upon the remnant of the people (after the king and their leaders have been slain by the Assyrian sword) - a burden that cannot be lifted by mere words, but can only be alleviated spiritually through Christ. According to the Septuagint, Ephraim is said to dwell in Egypt; although he claims possession of the Holy Land and the Body of Christ, he persists in Egypt due to his vices, sins, and misguided beliefs. Since he resides in Egypt, arrogance or Assyrianism will be his ruler; because he refused to return to the Church, and having lost his strength, which is Christ, the power and wisdom of God, he remains weak and vulnerable to all demons and passions. Therefore, the sword, signifying the spiritual authority and teaching of the Church, which conquers and dismantles all, will always remain in his cities, which he unlawfully established against the will of the Lord, and that very sword will rest in his grasp, leaving him incapable of fighting back or raising his hand against his foes. Ultimately, they will face retribution and reap the consequences of their actions. The unfortunate and spiritually blind will long for their former homeland and feel the burden of their captivity, faltering in uncertainty and lacking direction. But the wrath of God will descend upon their treasures, namely the gold and silver bestowed upon them, of which we have often spoken, and He will not deliver them, as their plight arises from their own failings. This interpretation aligns with both the Septuagint and the Hebrew text.