Hosea 11:1-7 ▼

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

2 The more they were called, the more they went away; they kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to idols.

3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them.

4 I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them.

5 They shall not return to the land of Egypt, but Assyria shall be their king, because they have refused to return to me.

6 The sword shall rage against their cities, consume the bars of their gates, and devour them because of their own counsels.

7 My people are bent on turning away from me, and though they call out to the Most High, he shall not raise them up at all.