Hosea 11:10

They will walk after the LORD; He will roar like a lion. When He roars, His children will come trembling from the west.

Study Bible

They will walk after the LORD;
This phrase indicates a return to faithfulness and obedience to God. In the context of Hosea, Israel is often depicted as straying from God, engaging in idolatry and unfaithfulness. The promise that they "will walk after the LORD" suggests a future repentance and restoration. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's enduring covenant with His people, despite their repeated failures. Walking after the LORD implies a lifestyle of following His commandments and living in accordance with His will, reminiscent of the call to "walk in His ways" found throughout the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 10:12).

He will roar like a lion.
The imagery of God roaring like a lion conveys His power and authority. In the ancient Near East, the lion was a symbol of strength and kingship. This metaphor suggests that God's call is both commanding and awe-inspiring, demanding attention and reverence. The roar signifies a decisive action from God, possibly indicating judgment or a call to return. This imagery is echoed in other prophetic books, such as Amos 3:8, where the lion's roar is associated with the voice of God bringing about His purposes.

When He roars, His children will come trembling from the west.
The response of the children coming "trembling" indicates a mixture of fear and reverence. This trembling can be seen as a recognition of God's majesty and a response to His call. The direction "from the west" may refer to the Israelites returning from exile, as the west could symbolize the lands where they were scattered. Historically, the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles led to the dispersion of the Israelites, and this prophecy envisions their return. The trembling also suggests a heartfelt repentance and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, similar to the fear and awe experienced by the Israelites at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD
The central figure in this verse, representing God as a powerful and authoritative presence, akin to a lion.

2. The Children of Israel
The people of Israel, who are depicted as responding to God's call with reverence and awe.

3. The Lion
Symbolic of God's strength and majesty, often used in Scripture to convey His power and authority.

4. The West
Represents the direction from which the Israelites will come, symbolizing their return to God from a place of dispersion or exile.

5. The Roar
A metaphor for God's call to His people, indicating both a warning and an invitation to return to Him.

Teaching Points

God's Authority and Power
The imagery of God as a lion emphasizes His supreme authority and power. Believers are reminded to approach Him with reverence and awe, recognizing His sovereignty over all creation.

The Call to Return
God's roar is both a call to repentance and an invitation to return to Him. This highlights His desire for reconciliation with His people, encouraging believers to respond to His call with humility and obedience.

The Assurance of God's Presence
The promise that His children will come trembling from the west assures believers of God's faithfulness to gather and restore His people, no matter how far they have strayed.

The Fear of the Lord
The trembling response of the children of Israel underscores the importance of the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom and leads to a deeper relationship with Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of God as a lion in Hosea 11:10 influence your understanding of His character and authority?

2. In what ways can you respond to God's "roar" or call in your own life, especially when you feel distant from Him?

3. How does the concept of returning from the "west" apply to modern believers who may feel spiritually exiled or far from God?

4. What other biblical passages use the imagery of a lion to describe God or Jesus, and how do these enhance your understanding of His nature?

5. How can the fear of the Lord, as depicted in this verse, lead to practical changes in your daily walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Amos 3:8
This verse also uses the imagery of a lion's roar to describe the fear and awe that God's voice inspires, emphasizing the power and authority of His word.

Isaiah 31:4
Here, the lion imagery is used to depict God's protection over Jerusalem, highlighting His strength and determination.

Joel 3:16
The Lord's roar from Zion is mentioned, signifying His judgment and the gathering of His people.

Revelation 5:5
Jesus is referred to as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, connecting the imagery of the lion to Christ's authority and kingship.