Cords of a man. — In contrast with the cords with which unmanageable beasts are held in check. Israel is led with “bands of love,” not of compulsion. Render the last clause, And gently towards them gave I food to eat, expressing the tenderness, delicacy, and condescension of his personal regard.
Related Commentaries of Hosea 11:4
Hosea 11:4
4 I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take offa the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.