Hosea 11:1-9 ▼

1 When Israel was a youth I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son.

2 The more they called them, The more they went from them; They kept sacrificing to the Baals And burning incense to graven images.

3 Yet it is I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them in My arms; But they did not know that I healed them.

4 I led them with cords of a man, with bonds of love, And I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; And I bent down and fed them.

5 They will not return to the land of Egypt; But Assyria—he will be their king Because they refused to return to Me.

6 And the sword will whirl against their cities And will consume their gate bars And devour them because of their counsels.

7 So My people are hung up on turning from Me. Though they call them to the One on high, None at all exalts Him.

8 How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I surrender you, O Israel? How can I give you over to be like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned over within Me; All My compassions are stirred.

9 I will not execute My burning anger; I will not make Ephraim a ruin again. For I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, And I will not come in wrath.