Hosea 11:7
My people are bent on turning away from me, and though they call out to the Most High, he shall not raise them up at all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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God declares, "My people are bent on turning away from me," highlighting that their rebellion isn't an occasional slip but a deep-seated tendency, like a weight pulling them away. Even when prophets called them to the Most High, their hearts were so fixed on sin that "none at all would exalt him"—they refused to lift themselves up toward Him. This shows a profound moral apathy where, despite external calls, their internal commitment to sin remained unshakeable.
God declares that His people are deeply inclined towards turning away from Him, clinging stubbornly to their rebellion. Despite the earnest calls from prophets to turn back to the Most High God, not a single person would truly honor Him by repenting and obeying.
The verse paints a picture of a people whose hearts are set on turning away from God. It's not just a fleeting mistake, but a deep-seated tendency.
Hosea uses the phrase "bent on turning away" (literally, "hung upon backsliding") to describe Israel's persistent sin. This isn't about occasional stumbles; it's about a people whose whole being is fixated on moving away from God.
Israel might cry out to God, but the verse delivers a stark warning: their pleas won't be heard or answered.
The verse presents a heartbreaking paradox: God's people are "bent on turning away," yet they still "call out to the Most High." This highlights a hollow religiosity.
Understand the original words
ammi · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the covenant community of Israel, chosen by God to be His own possession, who are nevertheless prone to infidelity and spiritual wandering.
Elyon · Hebrew Adjective
An honorific title for God, emphasizing His sovereignty, majesty, and transcendence above all earthly powers and idols.
This verse speaks into the tragic final moments of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Despite repeated calls from prophets and a looming, devastating invasion, the people remained stubbornly devoted to their idols and apostasy, refusing to 'exalt' God even as their nation crumbled.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following King Solomon's death, the united kingdom of Israel splits into two: the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). This division, partly due to Solomon's idolatry and heavy taxation, marks a significant political and religious fracture.
c. 870 BC
Reign of Ahab and Jezebel
King Ahab's marriage to Jezebel of Sidon introduces intense Baal worship into the Northern Kingdom of Israel, leading to widespread idolatry and persecution of prophets. This era is a low point for covenant faithfulness.
Mid-8th Century BC
Assyrian Dominance Increases
The Neo-Assyrian Empire begins its major expansion, exerting increasing pressure on the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. This growing external threat influences political decisions and divine judgment.
c. 732 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Israel
Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria invades the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting large numbers of its population and installing puppet rulers. This significantly weakens Israel and sets the stage for its eventual destruction.
This passage echoes Hosea's lament, describing God's people as stubbornly turning away and refusing to return, highlighting a persistent theme of backsliding throughout Israel's history.
Psalm 78:57This verse speaks of God's people acting 'faithlessly' and 'turning aside like a deceitful bow,' which strongly parallels the 'bent on turning away' imagery in Hosea 11:7.
Romans 1:23Paul describes people exchanging the truth about God for a lie and worshiping created things, which reflects the idolatry and turning away from the Most High that Hosea condemns.
Hebrews 10:26This passage warns against deliberately continuing in sin after receiving the knowledge of truth, a concept that resonates with the unyielding 'bent on backsliding' described in Hosea.
pulpitHosea 11:7: "And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him."
Verse 7. - And my people are bent to backsliding from me. This first clause of the verse is very expressive, every word almost having an emphasis of its own. With all their sinfulness and shortcomings, Israel was still the people of God - my people; they were guilty of the sin of backsliding, and of backsliding from God, the best of benefactors and their chief good…
pooleHosea 11:7: "And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him."
My people; yet God owneth them for his, he had not cast them quite off; or since they call themselves his, he is willing to encourage them by owning all in them that looks toward him. Are bent to backsliding from me; or continue in suspense, doubtful and unresolved what to do, or rather inclined most to an aversion from me: though the Lord’s prophets have persuaded…
God declares, "My people are bent on turning away from me," highlighting that their rebellion isn't an occasional slip but a deep-seated tendency, like a weight pulling them away. Even when prophets called them to the Most High, their hearts were so fixed on sin that "none at all would exalt him"—they refused to lift themselves up toward Him. This shows a profound moral apathy where, despite external calls, their internal commitment to sin remained unshakeable.
God declares that His people are deeply inclined towards turning away from Him, clinging stubbornly to their rebellion. Despite the earnest calls from prophets to turn back to the Most High God, not a single person would truly honor Him by repenting and obeying.
God declares that His people are deeply inclined towards turning away from Him, clinging stubbornly to their rebellion. Despite the earnest calls from prophets to turn back to the Most High God, not a single person would truly honor Him by repenting and obeying.
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c. 722 BC— this verse
Fall of Samaria and Exile of Israel
The Neo-Assyrian Empire, under Shalmaneser V and then Sargon II, conquers and destroys the capital city of Samaria. The Northern Kingdom of Israel ceases to exist as an independent entity, and its people are exiled.
"My people are bent on turning away from me, and though they call out to the Most High, he shall not raise them up at all." — God declares, "My people are bent on turning away from me," highlighting that their rebellion isn't an occasional slip but a deep-seated tendency, like a weight pulling them away. Even when prophets…
