God's gentle care as a father showed his special agreement with Israel (Exodus 4:22; Hosea 11:1–4; see also Matthew 6:26–33; John 14:21; Acts 13:18; Romans 8:15–17; 1 Peter 1:2–3; 1 John 3:1). Israel was God's child because they came from Abraham and because God chose and adopted Israel from all nations (Deuteronomy 14:2; Exodus 19:4–6).
This parent-child language is similar to language in secular covenant texts (ancient treaty documents between kings). In these treaties, a great king often called a smaller ruler, called a vassal (a ruler under his authority), his “son.” This word showed a close relationship and loyalty between them.