The Use of Hosea 11:1 in Matthew 2:15: An Alternative Solution -- By: Tracy L. Howard

Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 143:572 (Oct 1986)
Article: The Use of Hosea 11:1 in Matthew 2:15: An Alternative Solution
Author: Tracy L. Howard


The Use of Hosea 11:1 in Matthew 2:15: An Alternative Solution

Tracy L. Howard

[Tracy L. Howard, Instructor in New Testament and Homiletics, Grace Theological Seminary, Winona Lake, Indiana]

The use of the Old Testament in the New continues to be a subject of great debate. One of the thornier problems is the use of Hosea 11:1 (“Out of Egypt I called My son”) in Matthew 2:15. The difficulty of this problem is evidenced by the numerous solutions offered by evangelicals, some of which have serious ramifications in both hermeneutics and theology. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the various attempts to solve the problem. After proposing a solution, both the hermeneutical and theological implications will be set forth. However, it is necessary first to state clearly the problem that exists in the quotation by Matthew.

The Problem

The problem of Matthew’s use of Hosea 11:1 is articulated by Ellis, who writes, “To many Christian readers, to say nothing of Jewish readers, the New Testament interpretation of the Old appears to be exceedingly arbitrary. For example, Hosea 11:1 (‘Out of Egypt I called my son’) refers to Israel’s experience of the Exodus; how can Matt 2:15 apply it to Jesus’ sojourn in Egypt?”1 As Ellis correctly points out, Hosea 11:1–2 describes the history of the nation of Israel at the time of the Exodus as well as the succeeding events. In verse 1 the Lord declared, “When Israel was a youth I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.” This verse looks back to the beginning of the nation, at which time the Lord manifested His electing love in bringing her out of bondage in Egypt.2 He

compared His relationship to Israel with that of a parent to a son. The word ן (“son”) expresses the endearment the Lord has toward His people; this complements the biblical figures of the Lord as Shepherd, Husband, and Redeemer of His people.3

It is important to observe that the reference in Hosea 11:1 is to the nation Israel and her historical Exodus. No exegetical evidence exists that a concept of Messiah (either explicitly or implicitly) is in this passage. That Hosea’s focus was on th...

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