Definition: He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 11:5. It's a really important and somewhat surprising statement about the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse suggests that the Assyrian Empire will become the dominant power in the region, and they will be the one to rule instead of Egypt. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “He shall not return into the land of Egypt…” : This is a very strong statement. It means that Egypt – a powerful and established nation – won't go back to its original place. It implies a period of exile or separation. “…but the Assyrian shall be his king…” : This is the key part. The Assyrians, who were a militaristic empire at the time, will become the rulers. “because they refused to return.” : This is where it gets interesting. The Assyrians didn’t return to Egypt. They didn't go back because they made a choice to not return. This highlights a significant point about their behavior: they were defiant and unwilling to acknowledge or respect the boundaries established by God. What does this mean practically? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of pride, stubbornness, and ignoring God’s will. It suggests that if a nation refuses to listen to God's guidance and chooses to defy His authority, it can lead to ruin. Context & Significance: Hosea was a prophet: Hosea 11:5 is part of a larger narrative about the Israelites’ relationship with Egypt and their future destiny. It’s a message of judgment and a call for repentance. The Assyrians were rising: The Assyrian Empire was becoming increasingly powerful during this time, posing a threat to Israel. It speaks to a larger theme: Throughout the Bible, this verse serves as a reminder that God's people must always heed His voice and avoid actions that defy His authority. In short, it’s saying that the Assyrians will ultimately become the dominant power in the region because they chose to rebel against God's plan. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with a specific example? Discuss its symbolic meaning? Provide more context about Hosea’s message?