Hosea 11:1-7 ▼

1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.

2 Israel called to the Egyptians even as Israel was leaving them. They kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to idols.

3 It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the hand, but they never knew that I healed them.

4 I led them with human cords, with ropes of love. To them I was like one who eases the yoke from their jaws; I bent down to give them food.

5 Israel will not return to the land of Egypt and Assyria will be his king, because they refused to repent.

6 A sword will whirl through his cities; it will destroy and devour the bars of his gates, because of their schemes.

7 My people are bent on turning from me. Though they call to him on high, he will not exalt them at all.