What is the meaning of Hosea 11:7?

My people are bent on turning from Me

- The phrase paints a picture of stubborn, habitual rebellion. Israel is not merely stumbling; they are “bent” or set on departing from the God who rescued and nurtured them (see Hosea 11:1-4).

- This describes real history: after being delivered from Egypt, the nation repeatedly chose idols and alliances over covenant faithfulness (Exodus 32:1-8; 2 Kings 17:13-17).

- God’s lament underscores that wayward hearts grieve Him, yet He records it to warn and awaken (Isaiah 1:2-4; Jeremiah 2:19).

- Application: whenever a believer drifts, it begins with a heart posture, not an isolated act. Continual repentance and watchfulness guard against becoming “bent” the wrong direction (Hebrews 3:12-13).

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Though they call to the Most High, He will by no means exalt them

- Israel’s prayers were still being voiced, yet they rang hollow. God hears everything, but He does not honor empty words (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:8-9).

- “Call” here is religious activity without corresponding surrender; it resembles Hosea 8:2, “Israel cries to Me, ‘O our God, we know You!’ ”—a claim contradicted by their deeds.

- Because the heart remains unchanged, the Lord withholds the uplift or deliverance they seek (Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 1:15; Micah 3:4).

- This sober truth reminds us that repentance must precede restoration; sincere obedience opens the way for God’s exaltation (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6).

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summary

Hosea 11:7 exposes a people determined to stray and content with superficial religion. God records His grief to call His children from stubborn sin to wholehearted devotion. He longs to exalt, yet He will not reward empty ritual. The passage urges us to keep our hearts soft, our repentance genuine, and our trust fixed on Him who alone can lift us up.