December 8, 2023
“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt” (Hosea 11:1 NLT). The Lord spoke through the prophet Hosea reminding Israel of His love and how He had brought them out of Egypt. Yet, here He used the phrase “my son,” which made the verse not only a
December 8, 2017
The Lord spoke through the prophet Hosea reminding Israel of His love and how He had brought them out of Egypt. Yet, here He used the phrase “my son,” which made the verse not only a reminder of God’s expressed love in the past, but also His intended manifestation of love in the future. For this is one of many Messianic prophecies fulfilled in Christ, showing God’s love in sending His Son (John 3:16).
The gospel of Matthew quoted this verse from Hosea when recounting the Christmas story. For it was fulfilled when Joseph obeyed the angel’s instruction to carry Jesus to Egypt to avoid Herod’s murderous plan and then to return after Herod’s death (Matt. 2:15).
The Bible is primarily about God. It is a love story and Christ is its lead character.
December 8, 2016
The Old Testament prophets usually referred to Israel in the feminine. Hosea continued that tradition by beginning his book with references to Israel’s “harlotry,” even being called of God to take a “wife of harlotry” to illustrate the depth of Israel’s sin. But here, Hosea quoted the Lord calling Israel “my son.” Certainly, this passage must refer to Israel being led out of bondage in Egypt. Yet, the switch to the masculine signals something more. The apostle Matthew certainly thought so. For he quoted this verse as being fulfilled when Joseph carried Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod’s persecution and then brought him out after Herod’s death (Matt. 2:15). There are over 300 messianic prophecies in the Old Testament and Christ fulfilled every one.
December 8, 2015
The Old Testament prophets usually referred to Israel in the feminine gender. Hosea continued that tradition by beginning his book with references to Israel’s “harlotry,” even being called of God to take a “wife of harlotry” to illustrate the depth of Israel’s sin. But here, Hosea quoted the Lord calling Israel “My son.” No doubt this passage must refer to Israel being led out of bondage in Egypt. Yet, the switch to the masculine must signal something more. Matthew certainly thought so, for he quoted this verse as being fulfilled in Christ when Joseph carried him to Egypt to escape Herod’s persecution (Matt. 2:15). There are over 300 messianic prophecies in the Old Testament and Christ fulfilled every one.