As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.
The Prophet now repeats the ingratitude of the people in neglecting to keep in mind their redemption. The word, “called,” is here to be taken in a different sense. For God effectually called, as they say, the people, or his Son, from Egypt: he has again called by the outward voice or teaching through his Prophets.
When Israel was weak and helpless as children, God set His love upon them and bore them as a nurse bears the sucking child. Those whom God loves He calls out of bondage into the glorious liberty of His children.
AI summary
Commenting on Hosea 11:1-7
As they called them, so they went from them,.... That is, the prophets of the Lord, the true prophets, called Israel to the worship and service of God; but they turned a deaf ear to them, and their backs upon them; and the more they called to them, the further they went from them, and from the way of their duty; see Hos 11:7.