Oh he loved Israel. He recalls Israel in the early days when the LORD lavished on Israel like a young child.

“When Israel was a child, I loved hi…It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms” (v. 1-3)

When the Egyptians put their yoke upon Israel, it was the LORD who lifted the yoke and delivered them. It was a tender and beautiful relationship like a Father with a young son.

But now?

“My people are determined to turn from me” (v. 7).

Their evil had gone on too many generations for too long. Judgment and discipline was necessary. But how?

If ever there was a time when a parent said to a child, “This hurts me more than it hurts you,” this would be the time. The LORD agonized over the judgment that was necessary. So much so that almost all the major and minor prophets are warnings to try to avert their disaster.

God was in agony.

“How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel?” (v. 8)

“My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused; I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim. For I am God, and not man—the Holy One among you. I will not come in wrath. They will follow the LORD” (v. 8-9).

Ok, hit the pause button for a minute. Did he not carry out his wrath and the northern kingdom go into captivity in Assyria? And yet this says he won’t?

In context what he is saying is that he will not wipe out Israel forever. He will leave a remnant. And out of that remnant Israel would be restored.

The LORD had every right from his justice to destroy them forever. To completely wipe them out. But he would not. Could not. He loved them too much. He would bring judgment, but he would also restore. They would return again and once again worship in righteousness and holiness, and not worship in sin and evil.

That’s what mercy looks like. That’s grace.